Wat Thongnoppakun’s ubosot

Wat Thongnoppakun or Wat thonglang was built in late Ayutthaya period. Later, Phraya Shoduek ratchasedtee(Thongjeen) repaired, and dedicated to King Rama III to became royal temple. This temple was restored again in the reign of King Rama IV. Phrakru Gasinsangworn(Mee) was the abbot and important artisan monk in the reign of King Rama IV.

Masonry, Wood structure tile roof

The ubosot is a Thai traditional building, masonry Building. The roof is stacked layers wood with tiles. The gable decorate with gable apex, bairaka, Haghgss and posture of Naga. It is assumed that the work was in post King Rama III reign. There are more decorative decorations that use symbols, which were characteristic of the reign of King Rama IV. The gable of ubosot has two layers, the upper layer is Tripitaka on phan(tray with pedestal) flanked by the candlestick. The lower layer decorate with angels sculpture. It maybe consistent with the painting inside the temple depicting the Tripitaka. The ubosot has three entrance doors, the center is crown shape. Another two is castle shape. The center window is crown shape. Another two which is flank is fan of ranks shape.

Originally, the Wat Thongnoppakun’s ubosot is a Chinese style building. Later, in the reign of King Rama IV, the abbot Phrakru Gasinsangworn(Mee) who is a Khrua In-khong’s best student has transformed into a traditional Thai building. The interesting feature is the front door and windows are made in crown arch shape. In addition, the other two channels flanked by the window are made in fan of rank shape. The window frame has a top, frame and handle of the fan of rank clearly. This crown and fan of rank shape design is presumably a concept associated with King Ram IV, who is patronize the temple. Due to he was in his monk hood before entering the throne, he brought crown symbol which is his symbol to made it become archs and windows together with fan of rank which is a symbol of monk’s rank.

สุริยา รัตนกุล.พระอารามหลวงในกรุงเทพมหานคร เล่ม 2. นครปฐม : มหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล, 2550-2552.