Wat Chakrawat, a small but unique and fascinating temple in Bangkok, Thailand. Originally named Wat Sam Pluem, Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woramahawihan is nestled on the edge of Bangkok’s Chinatown.
This temple is known for its unique permanent residents, who aren’t monks.
Wat Chakrawat features unique 19th century architecture and a rich, interesting history. These factors make it a unique and enticing destination for anyone traveling to Bangkok.
THE LEGEND OF AI-BOD
The temple’s nickname comes from the events of the Legend of Ai-Bod.
According to the story, during the Ayutthaya period, the Chao Phraya River was inhabited by crocodiles. One of which was named Ai-bod, he was a fearsome one-eyed crocodile that terrorized the villagers.
Eventually, irate locals hunted him down, but Ai-bod took refuge under a monk’s house in the temple, which was known as Wat Sam Pluem at the time. The monk asked for the crocodile’s life as alms and the people obliged.
The monks built an enclosure for Ai-bod, and it’s where his descendants continue to live today.
WAT CHAKRAWAT’S HISTORY & ART
Presently, Wat Chakrawat is home to 5 crocodiles, and visitors can see these fascinating creatures up close. But the temple is much more than just a place to see crocodiles. The temple grounds are filled with beautiful Buddhist sculptures, intricate carvings, and colorful murals. One unique feature of Wat Chakrawat is that, unlike other temples, the Ordination Hall faces westward towards the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace.
Inside the small temple compound, you’ll find buildings in different styles situated together.
Off to the right as you walk in the gate is a small wiharn with an outer wall decorated in a very unusual black and gold pattern, which is more commonly found on interior walls or roofs.
Next to the black wiharn is a larger, more traditional wiharn. But this building also has its own one-of-a-kind characteristics. Particularly three of the four animals that decorate the side. A Naga, which is common. But also a horse, a buffalo, and an elephant. Interestingly,this is the only temple in Thailand with such decorative elements.
You’ll also find a stairway leading to a platform containing a mondop topped with a prang. Climb the steps to where you’ll find the mondop houses a Buddha footprint.
You’ll also certainly notice the large modern prang that juts into the air at this temple. The decoration of this prang is rather simple and elegant. Gold is used rather sparingly to decorate and draw attention to the standing Buddha images facing out from the four sides of the prang.
The temple’s large all-white ubosot sits opposite the prang. It’s normally closed, but you might get lucky like we did during our visit.
Against the eastern wall of the compound is another small wiharn housing a reclining Buddha statue.
Next to this is a grotto with several small memorials. In the center of the grotto is a black shape referred to as the Buddha’s Shadow. Worshipers affix gold leaf to the shape as offerings.
THE FAT MONK
In a small nook next to the Buddha’s shadow is an image of a fat monk.
According to legend, the fat monk was once a slim and handsome and he attracted the attention of local women. As all interaction with women was a strict taboo, the monk solved the problem by gorging on food until he wasn’t attractive any longer.
The Crocodiles
Of course, visitors to the Crocodile Temple want to see the crocodiles. The crocodile pond is next to the mount where the Mondop is situated. There’s a railed fence from where you can get a good view of the temple’s namesake crocodiles.
HOW To Get To The CROCODILE TEMPLE OF WAT CHAKRAWAT
You can reach the Crocodile Temple by Chaopraya Express Boat or by foot.
If by ChaoPraya Express Boat, ride the boat to Ratchawong Pier, then walk up Ratchawong Road and turn left at the first small alley. The entrance to the temple is where the alley takes a sharp turn to the right.
If walking up Yaowarat Road or Sampeng Lane towards Phahurat, turn left on to Chakkrawat Road. The entrance is on the left through a car park.
