Wat Kalayanamitr, Buddhist temple in Thonburi district, Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Kalayanamitr is a Buddhist temple in the Thonburi district of Bangkok known for its blend of religious traditions. Three Thai-style buildings surround a central pond with a Brahma statue in the center of the compound.
King Rama I commissioned the temple in 1825 as a center for Brahman ceremonies, including the traditional swing ritual. The compound served for generations as a site for royal rituals and astrological consultations for the court.
The name honors a minister from the early Rattanakosin period who donated the land, and his statue stands in the courtyard today. Monks conduct daily ceremonies here, and visitors often light incense and pray before the different shrines.
The temple opens daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and visitors can take photos outside the buildings while photography inside is not allowed. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required, and shoes must be removed before entering the halls.
A library called the Hall of Ancient Knowledge preserves rare texts on Hindu literature and astrological studies. Scholars still use this room today for research on traditional religious practices and calendar systems.
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