Wat Sommanat Vihara Rachaworavihara is a second-class royal monastery built under the royal command of King Chulalongkorn, Rama IV. He graciously ordered the construction of this royal temple along the canal, reminiscent of the ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya, in the year 1853. It was dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Sommanat Wattana Vadi, which is how the temple got its name. At the time of its initial completion, it was regarded as an ideal place for monks seeking tranquility due to its location, conveniently situated neither too far nor too close to the city center, fully adhering to the characteristics of a temple described in the Pali scriptures. The beauty of the temple, which has been preserved to this day, reflects the architectural style of the Rattanakosin period. Inside the main hall and the vihara, there are exquisite wall paintings and the Buddha image known as Phra Samphutthasiri, originally from Wat Ratchathiwat, which serves as the principal Buddha statue in the main hall. Meanwhile, Phra Samphutthasomanat Watthanavadi is the principal statue in the vihara. The temple is notably adorned with two remarkable stupas: the larger stupa, which is golden and beautifully shaped like a Lankas golden spire, houses sacred relics. The smaller stupa, often referred to as the Mon stupa, showcases a design reminiscent of the Parinirvana Stupa in India, a rare sight to behold. In subsequent years, many additional structures were built, including the 150-year building, Sala Lakhanalai School, the regional office sala, the Sala Pali, the front sala of the temple, and the 80-year building of Somdet Phra Wan Rat. The temple complex also includes Wat Sommanat School, the Army Funeral Bureau, and a military cemetery situated within the temple grounds. Moreover, the temple has arranged for a crematorium outside its walls to distinctly separate the Buddhist and monastic areas. This thoughtful layout not only ensures a fitting arrangement but also protects the monks’ activities from disturbances by outsiders. Location: 646 Krung Kasem Road, Sommanat Subdistrict, Pom Prap Sattru Phai District, Bangkok. Tourists can visit and make merit every day. For more information, please call 02 629 9912.