Wat Phaichayon Phonlasep

THAILAND, Samut Prakan

This temple’s name is also spelled Wat Paichayon Pon Sep. The temple was built in 1819 by Prince Ratchawangbowon Mahasakphonsep, brother of King Rama II (reigned 1809–1824). Wat Phaichayon Phonlasep was listed as a second class royal temple during the reign of King Rama III (reigned 1824–1851).
The temple faces west and consists of the ordination hall, assembly hall, four shrines of the Four-Headed Buddhas, three Thai-style stupas, and monastic living quarters. The ordination hall and assembly hall are located next to each other. They are rectangular in layout and have gable roofs. The pediments are decorated with floral patterns made of Chinese porcelain. The walls inside the ordination hall are decorated with gilt leaf patterns producing an interesting and unique feature. A white fence surrounds the ordination hall and the assembly, with a shrine of the Four-Headed Buddha on each of the four sides. On the grounds of the temple, at the back of the ordination hall, there is a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha facing east. Placed on a lotus throne which rests on a high platform, the gilded Buddha is seated in a half lotus position with hands in the vitarka (teaching) mudra.