Travel Expert

The history of Wat Arun dates back to the Ayutthaya period or mid 17th century. It was formerly known as Wat Makok as it was located in the Bang Makok sub-district. The temple was later renamed to Wat Makok Nok; by Nok meaning outside. The reason for the change of name was because a temple had been constructed in the same sub-district but in the more inner part and was named Wat Makok Nai; by Nai meaning inside.

In 1766, King Mangra of Burma wanted to expand his territory to neighboring countries and desired to dominate a trading hub of mainland Southeast Asia. War broke out and Ayutthaya fell into the hands of the Burmese in April 1767. The royal palace and religious buildings were burnt to the ground and people scattered. Not too long after, King Tak Sin had to look for a new capital site. It was decided to move to Thonburi. He arrived at Wat Arun early morning or by sunrise time and because he thought his time of arrival was the best time or an auspicious moment, he renamed the temple to Wat Jaeng, or Temple of Dawn. When King Tak Sin made Thonburi his capital and decided to built his palace on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Jaeng, which fell within the intended palace ground, was made the palace temple. This also meant that there were no resident monks in the temple.

Asides from serving as the palace temple, Wat Jaeng once housed two important Buddha images. There were enshrined the Emerald Buddha and the Phra Bang; both of them were brought down from Vientiane in 1779 (Temple of Dawn, n.d.). However, shortly after King Rama I was in reign a new capital was found, Bangkok. The Emerald Buddha was removed and transferred to Wat Pra Kaew within the compounds of the Grand Palace in 1784. Wat Jaeng no longer served the palace temple and monks were allowed to reside in there again.

The temple was renovated in the reign of King Rama II (1809-1824). He had the main chapel, preaching hall and other monastery buildings rebuild. In addition, he renamed the temple to Wat Arun Rajtharam. Later King Mongkut or Rama IV (1851-1868) changed the name to Wat Arun Ratchawararam as it is known today.