Wat Borom Niwat
Wat Borommaniwat Ratchaworawihan — also known simply as Wat Borom Niwat or Wat Borom — is a second-class royal monastery of the Thammayut Nikaya sect, located in Rong Mueang Subdistrict, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand.
History
Wat Borommaniwat was founded by Phra Vajirananthera prior to his coronation as king, in 1834 CE under the original name Wat Borommasuk. It was intended as an aranwasi counterpart to Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, a khamwasi monastery in the Bang Lamphu area of Rattanakosin Island. The temple’s original structures included the ordination hall, a pagoda, and fourteen monks’ dwellings.Construction continued until Phra Vajirananthera left the monkhood and ascended the throne as King Mongkut. The temple was later renamed Wat Borommaniwat during the reign of Rama V. During this time, restoration was carried out under the supervision of Phra Ubali Kunupamachan (Chan Siricando), supported by Chao Chom Manda Thapthim and her royal children.
The temple’s murals were painted by Khrua In Khong, one of the leading artists of King Mongkut’s reign. His works depict Buddhist themes through Western art techniques and hidden Dharma symbolism.
Further restoration efforts continued through the reigns of subsequent monarchs and abbots. Today, the temple remains an active monastic and educational center under the Thammayut Nikaya.
Architecture and Art
The main ordination hall enshrines the principal Buddha image, Phra Thotsaphonlayan, in the Maravijaya posture. The murals within, created by Khrua In Khong, blend Western artistic perspective with Buddhist allegory.Location
Wat Borommaniwat is located adjacent to the Bangkok railway station. Trains pass close to its boundary wall, near the Yotse Bridge and Bobae Market.Lineage of Abbots
Since its establishment, Wat Borommaniwat has been administered by the following abbots:| No. | Name | Start of Term | End of Term |
| 1 | Phra Yanrakkhita (Suk) | 1834 CE | 1851 CE |
| 2 | Phra Amarapirakkhita (Koet Amaro) | 1852 CE | 1869 CE |
| 3 | Phra Phrommuni (Muean Sumitto) | 1870 CE | 1901 CE |
| 4 | Phra Vinayarakkhita (Chan) | 1902 CE | 1903 CE |
| 5 | Phra Ubali Kunupamachan (Chan Siricando) | 1904 CE | 1932 CE |
| 6 | Somdet Phra Maha Wirawong (Oun Tisso) | 1932 CE | 1956 CE |
| 7 | Phra Thammadilok (Thongdam Chandoopamo) | 1957 CE | 1972 CE |
| 8 | Phra Thepworakhun (Singhak Chakkaro) | 1973 CE | 1974 CE |
| 9 | Phra Phrommuni (Bu Sujino) | 1975 CE | 2000 CE |
| 10 | Phra Thepsumedhi (Sanong Khemee) | 2001 CE | 2003 CE |
| 11 | Phra Thammawatchirakun (Prasat Pannatharo) | 2004 CE | Present |