Prince Mongkut was a bhikkhu (ordination name: Vajirañāṇo) for 27 years (1824-1851) before becoming the King of Siam (1851-1860); in 1836 he became the first abbot of Wat Bowonniwet.
Prince Mongkut was a bhikkhu (ordination name: Vajirañāṇo) for 27 years (1824-1851) before becoming the King of Siam (1851-1860). He became the first abbot of Wat Bowonniwet. This was in 1836.