The Marble Temple is located close to Dusit Palace. The name Marble Temple is used more by foreigners visiting the temple than the locals. In Thailand, the temple is known as Wat Benchamabophit.
This temple is not promoted as a tourist destination so the number of foreigners visiting it is quite minuscule.
The wat was founded during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) on March 1, 1900. The Ubosoth in the temple was constructed using Carrara marble from Italy. Wat Bechamabophit simply means : the temple of the Fifth King.
The main structure at Wat Benchamabophit is the Ubosoth Hall. It is one of the finest works of architectural art. The Ubosoth has four gables and the east gable is the main entrance to the Ubosoth.
The cloister is located towards the rear of the Ubosoth. In the cloister there are 52 Buddha images. Some of the images are original while others are copies of important Buddha images.
Inside the Ubosoth, the main Buddha image is enshrined. This image is a replica of Phra Buddha Chinnarat at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok province. The image is in bronze and it has an unusual blue lighting around it. Just beneath Buddha’s throne, the ashes of King Rama V are interred.
There are many other structures connected through pleasant walkways in the Wat Benchamabophit compound. These include the Abbot’s residence, Song Dharm Hall, used for laying in state the members of the Royal family and high dignitaries, and the Bell Tower. A visit to the monks quarters is also worthwhile and one will see that the quarters are extremely colorful and well maintained.
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