Direct from the Temple – Dedication Ceremony for the 244th Anniversary of the Rattanakosin Era
Thailand's Ministry of Culture held a merit-making ceremony on April 21 at a historic Bangkok temple to commemorate the 244th anniversary of the Rattanakosin era, honoring the legacy of King Rama I who established Bangkok as the capital in
On Tuesday, April 21, 2025, the Ministry of Culture through the Department of Religious Affairs held a merit-making ceremony dedicated to the late kings and almsgiving to Buddhist monks in commemoration of the '244th Anniversary Under Royal Patronage: Rattanakosin' event. The ceremony was presided over by Somdet Phra Mahatherajarya (Pasridit Khemangkoro), the Supreme Patriarch of the Northern Region, and the Abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm. Deputy Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaisesetrth delegated Deputy Permanent Secretary Prasop Riangngern to chair the proceedings, joined by Director-General Chaiyapol Sukiam and representatives from various government agencies at Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm in Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok.
At 9:30 AM, the City Pillar Shrine veneration ceremony took place. Prasop presented garland offerings to the Buddha image, made alms offerings at the Birthday Buddha Chapel, offered incense and candles, draped cloth around the replica City Pillar, and presented garlands at all five spirit shrines: Phra Seua Mueang, Phra Thong Mueang, Phra Kala Chai Si, Chao Chetakup, and Chao Hok Long.
The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with government agencies, private sector, and religious, arts, and cultural networks, organized the '244th Anniversary Under Royal Patronage: Rattanakosin' event from April 22-26, 2025 at Chulalongkorn University's Centennial Park, the National Museum of Bangkok, and Wat Prayurwongsa to celebrate the 244th anniversary of Rattanakosin's founding and to honor the gracious virtues and revere the legacy of King Rama I, the first of the Chakri Dynasty, who established Bangkok as the capital on April 21, 1782. The late kings of the Chakri Dynasty embodied the ten royal virtues and undertook various royal projects to strengthen the nation through wisdom and vision, while nurturing Buddhism, arts, and culture to flourish until the present day.
Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm, originally called Wat Podharam, was established during the Ayutthaya period. In 1868, when King Taksin founded Thonburi as the capital, with the Chao Phraya River dividing the two districts, the temple was renovated and elevated to the status of a royal monastery. King Rama I subsequently commissioned a complete reconstruction of Wat Podharam, building the ubosot, porticos, viharas, and other necessary structures, as well as permanent installations. He had Buddha images from various cities enshrined in the ubosot, viharas, and porticos, and granted the temple its new name: Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm.
During the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851), the temple underwent extensive restoration and renovation, with damaged structures either rebuilt or expanded. New kutis were constructed as multi-story buildings, and eight categories of texts were inscribed on marble plaques displayed around the cloisters to disseminate knowledge to the public.
