Attraction Details :
Wat Khemaphitaram
Rajaworaviharn is located on the east of Chao Phraya river, in Tambon
Suan Yai, 2 kilometers away from the south of Nonthaburi town. The front
of the temple is adjoining to the river, the back is attached to
Phiboonsongkram Road. It is a second-class royal monastery, in
‘rajaworaviharn’ type. Wat Khemaphitaram Rajaworaviharn was built in the
early Ayutthaya period, initially called “Wat Khema”. Subsequently, in
Rattanakosin period, it was categorized as one of the temples available
for Royal Kathin Ceremony as listed in the record of Krom
Phrarajawangbovorn (or Prince of the Rear Palace). During the reign of
King Rama II, Somdej Phra Srisuriyen Dramataya, the queen had required
this temple to be under her patronage. She then renovated the temple,
and named it “Wat Khema” (still no any affixes). Afterwards, King Rama
IV restored the whole monastery, and bestowed the additional phrases to
be “Wat Khemapitaram”. Remarkably, this temple was the school of Marshal
Por Pibulsongkram when he was a child.In 1982, during the 200th year of Chakri dynasty, and the Celebration of Rattanakosin city, the committee of Wat Khemaphitaram regarded that the temple had great significance to the dynasty, seeing many members of royal family had consistently patronized the monastery. They therefore built a multi-purpose pavilion called “200th year Rattanakosin City Pavilion”.
Inside enshrined a 30-meter Chedi, at the rear of the Ubosot. The chedi houses Lord Buddha relics. The ancient principle Buddha image, brought from Chankasem palace, reflects the art of Ayutthaya period. Additionally, the temple has Tamnak Daeng Building, and Phra Thinang Monthian Hall as well. Wat Khemaphitaram Ratchaworaviharn is one of the respectable temples, deserved to be a source for historical study. Located on Chao Phraya Riverside, the temple also bares pleasant, and relaxing atmosphere.
For transportation by bus, travellers should take Rot Song Taew (or a mini roofed bus usually seen across Thailand) route: Rewadee-Wat Paknam. For visiting by boat, you should take the Chao Phraya Express Boat, by boarding from Nonthaburi pier, then take the bus no. 203. Otherwise, you take a round-trip boat from Bang Sri Muang Pier to Nonthaburi pier, then board the bus no. 203.
