Gplace
King Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai
King Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai (Rama II) had a deep personal connection with Wat Arun, as he had resided at the original Thonburi Palace since his time as a Prince. He is celebrated as an artist-king with genius in various fields, particularly in his direct involvement in the architectural and Buddhist art designs of the temple. He initiated the major restoration and expansion of the temple grounds and personally sculpted the facial model for Phra Phuttha Thammisara Ratchalokethat Dilok, the principal Buddha image. Consequently, Wat Arun is regarded as the representative temple of King Rama II, where his royal ashes are enshrined beneath the base of the main Buddha image for eternal veneration.