In Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok, Thailand you will find yourself surrounded by gilded decorations and exquisite colorful murals portraying the lessons and life of the Buddha. Here, a deep green image sits in its seasonal attire on its own gold shrine. In the Wat Phra Kaew, the Emerald Buddha, about 65 cm tall, protects and brings prosperity to Thailand.
Where is the temple?
Wat Phra Kaew dates from 1792, however, it is a well-kept luxurious Buddhist temple located in central Bangkok, within the Grand Palace. Besides, this monastery is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha because of the image it houses.
Activity/Place Highlights
The Emerald Buddha
Above all, Wat Phra Kaew’s focal point is the temple of the Emerald Buddha. This huge prayer hall is situated on a marble structure where the statue sits on a high shrine. Surrounding the shrine, you will see other Buddha pictures and golden mythical divine birds, called garudas. These protect the main icon from malicious spirits. Outside of the temple, worshippers offer food, gold leaf or incense at a little altar before going into the prayer hall.
In fact, the Buddha image is actually carved out of jade. The word “emerald” was only given due its deep green color. The King is in charge of changing the statue’s cloak three times a year, when the summer, winter and rainy seasons arrive. Besides, only the Thai King and the Crown Prince can touch the image; otherwise, no one is allowed to touch it.
The Great Golden Stupa
Other attractions within the complex are its three golden stupas. All of them are placed on a high platform, and the smallest two are surrounded by effigies of mystic guardians. These two were built specifically to commemorate the parents of King Rama I, the founder of Wat Phra Kaew.
Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn
The Royal Pantheon, Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn, is also nearby. Here, you’ll find statues of previous rulers in altars, and a library. All of this covered in luxurious gilt work. Besides, there’s also a 150-year-old model of Angkor Wat for anyone who’s interested in Cambodia.
How to get there
You can reach Bangkok from almost any capital city in the world. However, traffic in the City of Angels is a known problem. Besides, pollution is an everyday thing that will probably take your breath away, literally. The most comfortable way to travel within the city is taking a riverboat on the Chao Phraya River, which has a stop for the Grand Palace.
Even though most hotels are not near the river, I suggest finding one that is. The Mandarin Oriental is one of the most famous ones. However, if you want to try out a cheaper option, the Vieng Thai is only a 15-minute-long walk away from the Grand Palace.
When to go
It is best to arrive early if you want to truly value the spirituality and peace of the temple before the coach parties get there. You can even get thirty minutes of total peace if you head straight to the Wat at 8:30 a.m. when the Grand Palace opens.
However, if you’re not an early riser, you can get there at 3:30 p.m., an hour before the place closes. But keep in mind that afternoons are pretty hot. Look for a shady spot and watch quietly as the crowd scatters. This was you can also have your thirty minutes of almost complete solitude to enjoy the palace.
Don’t worry about staying longer than you should, surely one of the guards will kindly tell you when it’s time to leave.
Inside Information
Most importantly, while visiting the Grand Palace, you must follow a strict dress code. This means you won’t be able to wear short skirts or shorts, sandals, and sleeveless tops. However, this can include other items if they are considered disrespectful. You can hire more appropriate clothing at the palace, but be cautious and choose your own respectful garments. The dress code is indeed strict, and you might be stopped at the entrance after waiting in line for long.
Lastly, pictures are not allowed inside the temple. It is totally worth it visiting and admiring Wat Phra Kaew in person, since pictures will never do it justice.
History
Supposedly, the Emerald Buddha originated in India. It was prophesied that it would bring fortune and greatness to the country in which it resided.
Afterwards, the statue was taken from Laos by the Thai army, and it is largely worshipped in Thailand. Therefore, the Emerald Buddha is a strong religio-political icon and the protector of the country. As a reasult, Wat Phra Kaew is then the most sacred Buddhist temple.
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