Wat Pho Bangkok
Buddhist Temples | April 9, 2010Wat Pho (official name: Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn), Temple of Reclining Buddha, is the oldest and the biggest temple of Lord Buddha in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. It is located in Phra Nakhon district in Bangkok. It has great many number of Buddha images (more than any other temple in Bangkok) and also houses the largest statue of Buddha in Thailand.
History:
Wat Pho Bangkok was constructed as a restoration of an earlier temple on the same site called Wat Phodaram. The work began in 1788 and the temple was restored and extended during the reign of King Rama III of Chakri Dynasty. During this time, plaques inscribed with medical texts were set up around the temple. In 1962 a school for traditional Thai medicine and massage was established here (such a centre was there even before the founding of the temple). Wat Pho was restored again in 1982.
Spread over an area of 20 acres, Wat Pho Bangkok of today bears little resemblance with the original temple. The gold plated statue of reclining Buddha is 46 metres long and 15 metres high, and displays passing of the Buddha into the state of enlightenment (nirvana). The feet and the eyes of the Lord feature mother-of-pearl adornment. Wat Pho is also known for being Thailand’s first university. The large grounds of the temple feature more than 1,000 Buddha images in total, most dating back to the ruins of the former capitals, namely, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.
Attractions:
- The Wat Pho temple complex has two walled compounds bisected north-south by Sanamchai Road. The reclining Buddha and massage school are found in the northern walled compound.
- The southern compound, known as Tukgawee is an active Buddhist monastery.
- More than 1,000 Buddha images
Nine wonders of Wat Pho Bangkok:
- Phra Buddhasaiyas (Viharn Phranorn):
The Vihara (pronounced Viharn) of the Reclining Buddha - Sala Rai or Satellite Pavilions:
North Pavilion which is a library of inscriptions on Thai traditional massage. - Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn:
Consists of a group of four huge pagodas surrounded by a white wall with sheltered gates. - The Legend of Songkran:
Portrays characters of King Kabilaprom and Prince Thammaban depicted on the inner walls. - The World Heritage Inscriptions:
The images are classified into three major categories. - Wat Pho Giants:
The outer walls of the Phra Mondob feature famous Thai proverbs.
- Sala Karn Parien:
A pavilion built in the Ayutthaya period. - Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn:
The main chapel constructed during the reign of King Rama I. - Contorted Hermit Mount:
Was the centre of medical science and knowledge from the Ayutthaya period.
Reaching Bangkok:
Suvarnabhumi Airport serves Bangkok
Accommodation in Bangkok:
- Viengtai Hotel
- Prince Palace Hotel
- Unico Grande Silom Hotel
- Holiday Inn Silom, Bangkok
- Narai Hotel
- The Tawana Bangkok
- Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square
- Sofitel Bangkok Silom
- Grand Diamond Suites Hotel
- Silom Serene
- Siam City Hotel
- Navalai River Resort
- Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok
- Rambuttri Village Plaza
- Rikka Inn
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Prior to the temple’s founding, the site was a centre of education for traditional Thai medicine, and statues were created showing yoga positions.
During the Rama III restoration, plaques inscribed with medical texts were placed around the temple. These received recognition in the Memory of the World Programme on 21 February 2008, according to Thailand’s Government Public Relations Department.