Wat Na Phra Men
Formerly known as Wat Phra Merurachikaram, the temple
is located across the river north of the palace. Although the date
of construction is unknown, the temple has been restored a number
of times but still has a finely proportioned ubosot and viharn. The
latter contains a large Dvaravati stone Buddha seated in European
style, his hands on his knees, which some scholars think originated
in Nakhon Pathom.
The Ubosot design is very old in the typical Thai style. The most
interesting object is the principal Buddha image, which is fully decorated
in regal attire. The most interesting fact attributed to the image
is that it escaped destruction when the Burmese were burning everything
down. It was from the grounds of this temple that the Burmese King
Chao Along Phaya decided to fire a cannon at the Grand Palace.
Admission to the temple which is just over the bridge near Si Sanphet
Road is 10 bahts. |