Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, also known as Wat Paknam for short, was built during the Ayutthaya period. The temple attracts Mae Chis (nuns) due to the meditation policy of the meditation master Luang Pu Sod. He emphasized Buddhist and secular studies for them. This temple is a 7.9-hectare complex and is home to the largest Mae Chi community in Thailand.
Bangkok boasts of many “Wats” or temples everywhere. And all of them, while strikingly alike on the outside, all have unique stories and backgrounds. With thousands of devotees, Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen owes its popularity to the mae chis or nuns and its charity. With the largest mae chi community in Thailand, the temple was one of the mae chi of Wat Paknam. Chandra Khonnokyoong eventually built another famous wat, Wat Phra Dhammakaya.
Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen History
Wat Paknam is said to have been built 500 years ago in the Ayutthaya period and has been renovated and improved many times since then. It is of great historical importance and part of the Maha Nikaya fraternity and the epicentre of the Dhammakaya movement. The royal temple is very popular with people from the upper and more affluent social classes, who even support the temple. Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro, a meditation legend, took over the monastery in the first half of the 20th century. The eventual succession of Somdet Chuang Varapunno caused much national controversy. It was cited as a political move that led to nationwide protests.
Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen Architecture
Although it has a somewhat rocky history, Wat Paknam is popular with tourists and locals visiting this grand temple. Visitors see the temple for its beautiful lush gardens, ornate designs, foreign monks, and priceless artefacts. In 2012 this Wat was expanded with the construction of a new “Chedi”, and a “Stupa” made entirely of broken glass. You will notice many glass ornaments and designs, such as B. snakes. You will find that Wat is a centre of historical and religious importance and a beautiful and tranquil place.
Visitor Tips
Visit the temple early in the morning as it is less crowded, and you can also watch the monks going about their daily prayer times and rituals. As Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is a religious site, it is recommended that you dress appropriately and cover your legs, chest and arms to respect the religious sentiments of the monks and nuns.
How to Reach Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen
Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is located in Khwaeng Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen in the Phase Charoen district of Bangkok. It used to be accessible only by boat, but now the connectivity is much better. There are several ways to get there—the temple. The best way is to take the BTS Sky Train to Talad Plus Station, and from there, it is a short taxi, Uber (60THB) or tuk-tuk ride to Wat Paknam. You can even catch the Song Taew or Red Truck bus from the train station for a meagre THB7.
