Bowonniwet Vihara Temple is one of the main Buddhist temples in Phra Nakorn, the Old City of Bangkok and was constructed in the mid-19th century during the reign of King Jessadabodindra (Rama III). It has long been a temple of patronage for Thailandˇs royal family of the Chakri Dynasty, including King Mongkut (Rama IV), and King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). In 1836, before becoming king, Mongkut was the abbot. The present King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, resided here as a monk for a short period.