Cover picture: Wat Pho
Overview map of the temple complex
The main attraction of Wat Pho: The Reclining Buddha
The golden statue was built by King Rama III in 1832
With a total length of 46 meters, it fills almost the entire room ...
... and rises 15 meters into the air, truly fascinating!
The reclining position symbolizes the state of peace on Buddha's final path to Nirvana
Also noteworthy: the ornate wall and ceiling decoration of the "Viharn Phranorn" temple hall
The detailed feet of the Buddha are particularly interesting
The soles of the feet are made of elaborate mother-of-pearl inlays and bear 108 Buddhist symbols for good luck
108 candy bowls represent the symbols of luck - according to the ritual, coins are thrown into each bowl and a prayer is said.
The interior of the temple complex is spacious and well maintained!
On the other side of the complex are open promenades (Phra Rabieng), which is also a gallery
The gallery includes both seated and standing Buddha statues
Chinese stone pagodas with mystical creatures decorate the inner courtyard
The main temple of Wat Pho: Phra Ubosot. The pedestal of the large Buddha statue is said to contain the mortal remains of King Rama I.
Outside in the courtyard, large spire towers (prangs) rise high into the sky
71 smaller towers (chedis) surround the main temple
The architecture from the Ayutthaya era fascinates with its unique style
In combination with the temple halls (viharns), a magical picture is created
Visually, these towers are reminiscent of the Wat Arun temple opposite
The closed library (Phra Mondop) houses a sacred collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures
Green ornamental trees such as Chinese figs or bonsais adorn the paths
There is also a garden with a small pond in the complex
Hidden in the bushes are ancient stone figures in rather strange postures
They practice and teach "Ruesi Dat Ton" - positions from the traditional art of Thai yoga healing
The day at Wat Pho was very impressive! Then we went on to the Grand Palace 🙂
Costs
300 THB p.p.
(approx. 7.83 EUR)
Opening hours
Daily 08:00 - 19:30
Wat Pho
The Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihanbetter known as Wat Phois one of the most important historical temple complexes in the heart of Bangkok. Its origins lie far back in the 16th century in the Ayutthaya period, where the first buildings were erected. Around 1801, King Rama I undertook restorations to the temple and gave it its current name. However, the place only achieved great fame in 1832, when King Rama III. 46 meter long, reclining, gold-plated Buddha statue (English name: Reclining Buddha) in the newly built temple hall Viharn Phranorn erected.
The Lying position symbolizes the Buddha's final stage: the state of ultimate freedom and eternal peace, which is achieved after the transition from earthly life to nirvana.
The magnificent soles of the reclining Buddha consist of elaborate mother-of-pearl inlays and display a total of 108 Buddhist symbols of good fortune.
In the temple hall are also 108 bronze bowls These stand for the individual lucky symbols that can also be found in the soles of the Buddha's feet. For Buddhists, it is a sacred ritual to throw a few coins into each of the bowls and say a short prayer. This is done in sequence, from start to finish. The monks appreciate every single donation, as they benefit the upkeep of the temple.
Outside on the temple grounds are ancient buildings and magnificent pointed towers (called Chedi or Prang). The extensive grounds also include a Museuma Librarya Elementary schoola small Park with ancient poplar figs and the famous Wat Pho massage schoolwhich is considered to be the birthplace of traditional medical Thai massage and is now one of the most recognized training centres for masseurs worldwide.
Phra MondopThe library of the complex houses a sacred collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures written and preserved on palm leaves.
In the so-called Wandelhallen (open gallery), a large number of seated and standing golden Buddha figures are on display - an impressive sight!
The porticoes surround the main temple of Wat Pho: Phra Ubosot. This sacred place was built on a raised marble platform and may only be entered barefoot. In the center is another huge Buddha statue (Phra Phuttha Thewa Patimakon), whose pedestal contains some of the mortal remains of King Rama I. The magnificent hall impresses with its high decorative pillars, golden ornaments and elaborate murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha.
Tip: Due to its direct proximity to the Grand Palace - the Royal Palace of Bangkok - and to the opposite Wat Arunmany visitors are planning a combined tourª to visit several temples in one day.
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