Wat Arun holds merit-making ceremony to honour king’s birthday

Wat Arun, one of Thailand’s most revered temples, will host a merit-making ceremony on August 15 to honour His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday. The temple invites Buddhists to participate in paving stone roads and washing the iconic Phra Prang tower.

Phra Phrom Vajramethee, a prominent member of the Supreme Sangha Council and the Abbot of Wat Arun Ratchawararam, announced the initiative titled, Making Merit by Paving Stone Roads around Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan. This event, set for July 28, is also in preparation for the Royal Barge Procession ceremony and the Royal Kathin Ceremony on October 27, celebrating the king’s milestone birthday.

“This is not the first time the temple has undertaken large-scale renovations. We have previously engaged the public and volunteers in restoring this significant royal temple.”

The renovation project includes paving stone roads around the temple, upgrading the drainage system, and modernising the electrical wiring to maintain the site’s integrity and historical significance.

The merit-making event on August 15 will start at 5pm where participants can write their names on the paving stones, symbolising a smooth and prosperous life path. This act of devotion mirrors the temple’s name, which means Temple of Dawn, reported The Nation.

To join the event or make a donation, please contact Phra Vajirarattanaporn, Assistant Abbot and Secretary of Wat Arun Ratchawararam, at 085-569-1616, or reach out to the central office of Wat Arun Ratchawararam. Donations can be made to the Wat Arun Ratchawararam Landscape Fund for Temple Road Restoration, TTB Bank, account number 115-2-50515-0.

“Wat Arun, or Wat Chaeng, has stood since the late Ayutthaya period, over 300 years ago. While some parts of the original road remain, others have been updated with concrete. Our goal is to restore the road with the same type of stones used originally, ensuring its beauty and longevity. The estimated budget for this project is around 50 to 60 million baht.”