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The Last Royal Temple
This stamp collection commemorates the auspicious 150th anniversary of Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan, a first-class Royal Temple built on 22 January 1869, in the reign of H.M. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The temple's name translate to 'A temple a King has built', which was the last Royal Temple constructed in his reign along ancient traditions.
The temple showcases Thai and Western architecture on the exterior and interior. The ordination hall, or Ubosoth, is decorated in Gothic-style architecture similar to Christian churches. Inside lies the presiding meditative Buddha image, Phra Buddha Ankiros, whose name translates to 'Lord Buddha who radiates halo from the body'. It was constructed during the reign of Rama IV to the beginning of Rama V. The Buddha is adorned with gold (180 Baht in weight) that was once worn by H.M. King Chulalongkorn. Underneath his throne, the ashes of the King and Royal Family members are enshrined.
A one and half larger scale statue of H.M. King Chulalongkorn can also be found inside the temple. The sculpture depicts the King sitting on his Royal Seat, decorated with Royal Insignias he once wore when he offered meritorious robes to the temple during a Tot Kathin ceremony. The only depiction missing from his visit was his Chada, a crown-like traditional Thai headress.
Two supreme Patriarchs from Rattanakosin era have resided at this temple. Including Somdet Kromma Luang Jinavorn Sirivaddhana and Somdet Phra Sanharaja Chao Kromma Luang Jinavajiralongkorn; the second and the forth abbots from Wat Ratchabophit, were the 11st and the 18th Supreme Patriarch. Presently, Somdet Phr Ariyavongsagatanana IX, the 20th and latest Supreme Patriarch, is the temple to be appointed as head of Thailand's Buddhist community.
Designs
5 Baht (Design 1): Phra Buddha Ankiros with the Ancient and Auspicious Order of the Nine Gems
5 Baht (Design 2): Inside the Ordination Hall of Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram
5 Baht (Design 3): The Ordination Hall of Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram
5 Baht (Design 4): The Main Stupa of Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram
10 Baht (Design 5): The photo of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayan, the Supreme Patriarch
Quantity of stamps: 500,000 pieces per design
Sheet Composition: 10 stamps per sheet
Printing Process: Lithography, Multi-colour
Designer: Mr. Udorn Niyomthum (Thailand Post Co., Ltd.)
Souvenir Sheet Price: 20 Baht
Souvenir Sheet Quantity: -- sheets
FDC Price: 44 Baht
FDC Quantity: -- covers |