Wat Sommanat Wihan, a second-class royal monastery, was established during the reign of King Rama IV (King Mongkut) and showcases traditional Thai architecture from the Rattanakosin period. The temple features stunning murals in the ordination hall (ubosot) and assembly hall (viharn). In front of the ordination hall runs the Khlong Padung Krung Kasem canal, which King Mongkut ordered to be excavated, completed in 1852.

The temple houses two distinctive chedis (stupas). The main stupa, large and gilded in the style of Sri Lankan pagodas, contains sacred relics of the Buddha and is a notable attraction for Thai and international visitors alike. The smaller Mon-style chedi, rare in Thailand, has a unique shape similar to the Dhamek Stupa in India; only two such stupas exist in Thailand, located here and at Wat Kanmatuyaram.

Today, the temple grounds include several historic and recently restored structures, such as the "150-Year Building," which hosts the Pariyattitham School. This building, originally constructed during the reign of King Rama VI, was commissioned by Phraya Siphuripreecha in honor of his late wife. Other significant structures include various shrines and the Somdet Phra Wannarat Building, built to mark the 80th anniversary of Somdet Phra Wannarat’s enthronement. The temple complex also encompasses Wat Sommanat School, a military burial ground, and facilities operated by the Army Welfare Department.

History

Wat Sommanat Wihan was founded by King Mongkut in 1853 as a royal tribute to Queen Sommanat Wattanawadi. The king laid the cornerstone of the ubosot on January 15, 1853, and as construction progressed, he invited monks from Wat Ratchathiwat to reside there, led by Phra Ariyamuni (later elevated to Somdet Phra Wannarat). The revered monk played a major role in completing the unfinished temple structures and later brought the Buddha images, including Phra Somphutthasirinat and Phra Somphuttha Sommanat Wattanawadi Nart Bophit, from the Grand Palace to serve as principal statues in the temple’s ordination hall and viharn.

Significant Buddha Images

1. Phra Somphuttha Sommanat Wattanawadi Nart Bophit – the main Buddha image in the viharn.

2. Phra Somphutthasiri – the main Buddha image in the ubosot.

3. Phra Nirantarai – an important statue within the complex.

4. Phra Phothi Sinarak – a sacred Buddha statue.

5. Ancient Standing Buddha – located in the cloistered corridor.

6. Replica of Phra Phuttha Sihing – the main Buddha in the Somdet 80th Building.

7. King Mongkut’s Commemorative Buddha – dedicated to King Rama IV.

8. Queen Sommanat’s Commemorative Buddha – honoring the king’s first consort, Queen Sommanat.