Mural painting of Viharn Noi, Wat Intharam, Bang Yi Ruea

Abstract

Wat Intharam, Bang Yi Ruea is a temple built since the Ayutthaya period and became more important during the Thonburi period. King Taksin the Great has ordered the temples to be renovated and established as a special royal monastery to be used as a place for great royal ceremonies. When King Taksin the Great died, the temple was abandoned and was renovated again during the reign of King Rama III by Phraya Sri Sahathep (Thong Pheng). At the end of the ubosoth are rows of four small viharas, alternating with three bejeweled chedis. It is believed that the mural painting inside was built during this period. The mural paintings in four small viharas were painted in Thai traditional tempera. The content is Buddha’s history at the time of nirvana, beliefs in traveling to worship the Buddha’s footprints, and auspicious symbols in Chinese art decorated to bless those who come to worship only find good things. These beliefs reflect the history and culture of people in the early Rattanakosin period who still believed in Buddhism. It also shows the relationship between Thai and Chinese people as a result of a great deal of trade in those days. It also reflects the prosperity of Phlu market (Talat Phlu) area, which used to be an important economic center since the Thonburi period until the early Rattanakosin period.