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Temple Name: Wat Intharawihan (Thai: วัดอินทรวิหาร)
Other Name: Wat Bang Khun Phom Nai
Current Abbot: Phra Thep Wisuthaporn, or sometimes called Luang Phor Thongsueb
History
Wat Intharawiharn, a royal temple, was estimated to be built in 2295 BE, the end period of Ayutthaya Kingdom, while there lacks detailed information about the builder of the temple. The original name "Wat Raiphik" ("Raiphik" in Thai means "pepper garden") derived from the temple's location besides a Chinese garden. Temple name was changed to "Wat Bang Khun Phrom" based on the title of the village head "Khun Phrom".
Naresuan The Great
In 2321 BE (AD 1778), the period of Thonburi Kingdom, Phrachao Siribounyasan of Lao attacked Ban Don Mot Daeng region in northeastern Thailand (now the area of Ubon Ratchathani Province) and killed Phra Lo, who had surrendered to King Taksin, who was extremely exasperated. Somdet Chao Phraya Mahakasatseuk (later Rama I) was ordered by King Taksin to subdue the Lao states, drove Siribounyasan into exile, and took his three sons—Nanthasen, Inthavong and Anouvong—to Thonburi as hostages, having them live in Raiphik village (now Bang Khun Phrom area in Bangkok).
King Taksin
Prince Inthavong, a pious Buddhist, renovated the ubosot (ordination hall) of Wat Raiphik (Wat Bang Khun Phrom), built a sala (an open pavilion), and dug canals in the north, south, and rear of the temple. Prince Inthavong invited a noted guru monk Than Chao Khun Aranyik Then, the first abbot in the recorded history of Wat Intharawihan, to handle temple affairs.
King Rama V
In the reign of King Rama V, a road crossed through the temple and bisected the temple into two parts: Wat Bang Khun Phrom Nok (now Wat Mai Amataros), and Wat Bang Khun Phrom Nai (now Wat Intharawihan).
Luang Phor Toh Statue
Somdej Toh, the abbot of Wat Rakhang, began in 2410 BE (AD 1867, the reign of King Rama IV) the construction of a large Buddha statue "Luang Phor Toh", which depicted the image of an alms-holding Maitreya Buddha (known as Phra Sri Ariya Metrai in Thailand). Somdej Toh passed away before the completion of the construction, which was continued by successive abbots. The building of the Buddha statue was finished in 2470 BE (AD 1927, the reign of King Rama VII).
Holy-water Well
Phra Thep Wisuthaporn, the incumbent abbot, began renovating the holy-water well of Somdej Toh and the outside building, which were finely and elaborately decorated. 121 kathas were inscribed on the marble stone foundation of the well. Inside the building, the dim light and the haunting katha-chanting sound made worshippers feel soaked in the mercy of the venerated monk.
The holy water collected outside the building could be taken for drinking or showering and is said to bear the efficacy of safety and the elimination of ill fortunes.
The holy water collected outside the building could be taken for drinking or showering and is said to bear the efficacy of safety and the elimination of ill fortunes.
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