History and Background

It is believed that Wat Yai Suwannaram dates back to the Ayutthaya period, as evidenced by a royal letter from King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), which stated: “The murals and designs in the ordination hall must have been painted over 300 years ago…” The word “Yai” (meaning “large”) is thought to refer to the temple’s size—over 20 rai (approximately 8 acres). The word “Suwannaram” likely derives from the name of the Supreme Patriarch (Tangmo), whose birth name was “Thong” (meaning “gold”) or possibly from his monastic name, Suvanna (Pali for “golden”). The temple was significantly restored by him, as it was where he originally studied. Since then, the temple has been known as Wat Yai Suwannaram. Wat Yai Suwannaram was designated a royal temple during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). It underwent several restorations beginning in the Ayutthaya era, particularly under the Supreme Patriarch (Tangmo). A major renovation took place during Rama V’s reign, including the construction of a cloister surrounding the ordination hall, a sermon hall, monastic residences, twin pavilions, a bell tower, and a perimeter wall with gateways and ponds—all of which still exist today.