Name: Bangkok
Rating: 2.7

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, Bangkok Overview

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, also shortly known as Wat Paknam was built during the Ayutthaya period. The temple attracts mae chis (nuns) because of the meditation master Luang Pu Sod's meditation policies. He emphasised on Buddhist and secular studies for them. With a 7.9 acre complex, this temple has the largest mae chi community in Thailand.

Bangkok boasts of a lot of "Wats" or temples all around. And all of them while surprisingly similar on the outside, they each boast of a unique history and background. Popular amongst thousands of devotees, Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, owes its popularity among Mae Chis or nuns and also for its charity. With Thailand's largest Mae Chi community, the temple was one of the Mae Chis of Wat Paknam. Chandra Khonnokyoong eventually established another famous Wat, the Wat Phra Dhammakaya.

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Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen History

Wat Phra Dhammakaya Bangkok — The Dhammakaya Movement Was Started by One of the Mae Chis (Nuns)
at Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen
(Source)

Supposedly built 500 years ago in the Ayutthaya period, Wat Paknam has since been renovated and touched up many times since then. Of great historical importance, it is a part of the Maha Nikaya fraternity and the epicentre of the Dhammakaya Movement. A royal temple, it is quite popular amongst people among people in the upper and more affluent social classes, who even support the temple. Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro, a meditation legend, took over the monastery for the first half of the 20th century. The eventual succession of Somdet Chuang Varapunno caused many national controversies. It was cited as a political move, leading to nationwide protests.

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen Architecture

Phrarathchamongkhon Stupa, Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen — The Top Floor of Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is the Most Beautiful Place of the Area
(Source)

Although it has a slightly rocky history, Wat Paknam is popular amongst tourists and locals who frequent this large temple. Visitors generally visit the temple for its beautiful lush gardens, ornate designs, foreign monks and treasured artefacts. As of 2012, there have been new additions to this Wat, with the construction of a new "Chedi" and "stupa". One of the most beautiful sights inside the temple is the Phrarathchamongkhon Stupa on the top floor situated in the middle of the room, which is built entirely out of glass shards. You will notice a lot of glass ornaments and designs, such as glass serpents. You will find the Wat a centre of not just historical and religious significance, but also a beautiful and serene place.

Visitor Tips

Visit the temple during the early morning hours as it would be less crowded and you may also witness monks in their everyday prayer and ritual schedules.
As Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is a religious place, it is recommended to be appropriately dressed with legs, chest and arms covered, in order to respect the religious sentiments of the monks and nuns.

How To Reach Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen Bangkok Thailand — Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is Located in the Phasi Charoen District of Bangkok in Thailand
(Source)

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is located at Khwaeng Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, in the Phasi Charoen district of Bangkok. In the olden days, it could only be reached by boat, but now the connectivity is much better. There are various ways of reaching the temple.
The best way is to take the BTS Sky Train till the Talad Plu Station and from there its a short cab, Uber (THB 60) or tuk-tuk ride away to Wat Paknam. You can even take the Song Taew or the Red Truck Bus from the station for a meagre sum of THB 7.