Installation of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew (1783–1785)

The Emerald Buddha was moved from Wat Arun in Thonburi across the Chao Phraya river to Bangkok and installed in the ubosot of Wat Phra Kaew in February/March 1785, not 1784 as the legacy row claims. The temple, begun in 1783 under Rama I, was consecrated in 1785.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. After King Rama I made Bangkok the capital of the Rattanakosin Kingdom on 6 April 1782, a royal palace and temple were needed to legitimize the new Chakri dynasty. Construction of Wat Phra Kaew and its ubosot began in 1783 within the Grand Palace compound.

Installation of the Image. In February/March 1785 the Emerald Buddha was transported with great ceremony from Wat Arun in Thonburi across the river to the Rattanakosin side and installed in the ubosot of Wat Phra Kaew, its present position. The temple was consecrated the same year.

Significance. Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, and the Emerald Buddha it houses is venerated as the country's palladium. The image is a seated figure of green stone, about 66 centimetres tall, clothed in gold.

People involved

Sources

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