Thailand is well-known as a country where over 90% of the population follows the Buddhist faith. Therefore, encountering several large temples here is nothing out of the ordinary. Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Royal Temple or the Emerald Buddha Temple, holds the utmost significance among all temples in Thailand and is a destination everyone visiting Bangkok wishes to explore. Come to Thailand to admire the beauty of this sacred temple.
Panoramic view of Wat Phra Kaew in Thailand (Photo by ST)
Location
Wat Phra Kaew, the temple located in the heart of Bangkok, within the premises of the Royal Palace. This place is surrounded by walls stretching over a mile long, as if to safeguard its sanctity. Ancient Thais believed that the loss of its precious statues would spell doom for their dynasty. While there are several large and small temples within the palace grounds, Wat Phra Kaew remains the most revered as it houses the priceless emerald Buddha statue, which holds immense significance for the Thai people.
Wat Phra Kaew within the Royal Palace grounds (Photo by ST)
History
The construction of this temple began when King Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. To this day, the temple has a history spanning over 230 years, witnessing the development of Thailand. During this period, King Rama I transferred the precious Buddha statue (the Emerald Buddha) from Wat Arun across the river to the temple, where it has since become a tangible symbol of the nation.
Discover the unique allure of Wat Phra Kaew, a sanctuary like no other.
Unlike conventional temples presided over by resident monks, Phat Ngoc Temple stands apart, devoid of monk quarters but adorned with exquisite sculptures and ornate structures. Historically reserved for royalty, access was restricted to dignitaries only.
When Wat Phra Kaew is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind for Thais is the magnificent stone statue of a meditating Buddha seated atop a golden lotus. Known as the Emerald Buddha, witnessing its placement within the temple premises unveils the depth of reverence it commands among the Thai populace. They firmly believe that the Buddha statue will bestow auspicious blessings and prosperity upon the nation.
Directly beneath the Buddha statue lies the revered emerald jade gemstone, positioned on a gold pedestal standing 11 meters tall, surrounded by glass orbs symbolizing the sun and moon. Though seemingly minute, this icon holds a sacred place in the religious fabric of Thai society, deeply revered by adherents of Buddhism.
When you visit Phat Ngoc Temple, be sure to wander along the corridor to admire the 1km-long mural that surrounds the temple. The mural boasts 178 colorful paintings showcasing the masterful craftsmanship of Thai artisans. Each painting tells a different story, summarizing the life of the Buddha from birth to enlightenment.
Another remarkable feature to discover at Phat Ngoc Temple is the majestic beauty of the Angkor Wat architectural model. This model dates back to the Roman IV period when Cambodia was under the control of the Khmer Empire and later reconstructed by King Roman V using plaster to commemorate the inaugural anniversary of the Royal City.
In addition, scattered around the Phat Ngoc Pagoda complex are majestic towers and elephant statues, symbolizing Thailand's power and independence. In ancient Thai culture, parents used to carry their newborns around the elephant statue, hoping for their child's health and future success.
Numerous grand towers within the temple (Photo by ST)
The dazzling golden Buddha statues, precious jade gems, towering spires, unique architecture, and long captivating corridors will surely delight your eyes at this temple.
An important tip VNTRP.VN wants to share with you when visiting Phat Ngoc Pagoda is to explore it early in the morning since the temple closes in the early afternoon, and remember to dress modestly.
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