The new Golden Buddha is located at Wat Paknam temple in Phasi Charoen, Bangkok district. On the outskirts of the Chao Phraya River, the temple complex was founded in 1610. Under construction for 4 years, the huge statue of Buddha is slowly being revealed as the scaffolding is removed, floor by floor.
The imposing Golden Buddha at Wat Paknam appears to watch the channels of the Chao Phraya River. It is as if a new temple was born after the beginning of its construction. Stunning for its beauty at sunset , it is a unique spectacle and an incredible attraction of Bangkok.
At the time the Wat Paknam temple complex was founded in the 17th century, the country's capital was Ayutthaya and the temple received financial support from the Thai kings. This lasted until the end of the 19th century. In the 20th century, the complex was almost abandoned and in ruins.
That's when the renowned meditation master Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro took care of the temple, making it reborn. He invested in education, creating a school for underprivileged children. The temple grew from 13 to 500 monks and became a reference in meditation practice in Thailand.
The Wat Paknam complex has 32 thousand m² with many buildings and temples that make it up. Upon entering the pagoda, next to the big Buddha, you will see the museum of items used by the abbot and also his body, which is kept in a coffin, as a tribute. On the top floor of the pagoda is the Maha Ratcha Mongkhon stupa, built and delivered in 2012, making the temple a little better known and visited by tourists, rather than just Thais.
The complex was built in the shape of an island, surrounded by canals. Currently, the place maintains teaching of meditation, culture, arts and Thai language.
The temple Wat Paknam is one of my favorites. Something totally different from what you've seen so far. Maybe a bit too cheesy for some, but I thought it was really great. In addition, the temple is very rarely visited by tourists.
One of the most interesting things we saw at Wat Paknam was the new chedi, for which finishing touches were still being applied. It was unusual in that it was hollow, with four stories inside that will be used for meditation and displays of valuable relics and Bhuddist items.
On the top floor there was a huge domed roof and in the center of the room a giant chedi made entirely out of glass shards. The detail was astonishing. Around the base of the glass chedi was even more glass, this time designed and built in the style of mythical Naga serpents.
Wat Paknam Address: 300 Ratchamongkhon Prasat Alley, Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok 10160, Thailand
Wat Paknam Website: https://www.facebook.com/WATPAKNAM.BKK