Wat Ratchapradit is a temple commissioned by King Rama IV, following the ancient tradition that stipulates the presence of three important temples in the capital city. These are Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Ratchapradit itself, which was constructed to fulfill this regal custom. The temple was built as a dedication to the monks of the Thammayut Nikaya sect so that the king, along with nobles and officials, would have convenient access to a place for merit-making near the Grand Palace.