Early Wat

Posted in Antiques on 02/15/2008 04:18 am by admin

No items matching your keywords were found.

Early Wat

Wat Arun - Bangkok's iconic Temple of Dawn

Buddhism is integrally into the fabric of life of the predominant majority of Thai temples of the capital Bangkok is considered the heart and soul of the metropolis. The urban landscape is filled with a myriad of magnificent Wats whose architecture is developed and bright far from the simplicity of the design seen on Buddhist shrines in most other parts of the world.

With its tiled roofs and green orange and facades Outside an impressive display of gold adorned with gold and mosaic designs, the pagoda and stupas dominate most local Wats. However, these are not simple pieces display historical or tourist draws, the temples are very vivid and serene occupied by saffron-robed Buddhist monks can be seen coming and going of the city in its daily alms ritual.

The large number of temples in the city to explore the city a temple daunting task for the tourists, however, of these, comes a handful of iconic buildings of singular beauty classified as "must see".

Wat Arun, or Temple of Dawn, is one of these sites. Located in the Bangkok Yai district, the needles of the Wat are hovering over the west bank of Chao Phraya River, and is without doubt one of the most photographed and popular pictures ever to be synonymous with the sights of Bangkok.

The central prang or Khmer-style tower, Wat Arun is its most outstanding feature, reaching a height of over 250 meters. steep stairs to the base of the tower to connect two terraces that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding views of the river, covering the Grand Palace and Temple of Buddha Esmeralda. The main prang is surrounded by four satellite prangs are smaller.

The prangs are constructed of brick, but covered by a outer layer of stucco, decorated with thousands of colorful shells and porcelain formerly used as ballast by merchant ships coming from China. The trident of Shiva brightness on each of the prangs and bright ornaments glare in the sun.

The bases of the towers are adorned with sculptures, statues of the god Indra green sitting on his elephant with three heads adorn the niches of the central prang, which symbolically marks the Mount Meru, according to Indian mythology. The smaller towers Phra Phai dedicated to the God of Wind and figures of the god of the moon on his white horse look out from their niches.

Prangs striking as they are, the monastery complex Wat is generally composed of many interesting buildings. The Hall of the organization which consecrates Niramitr Buddha image, the six green pavilions and granite sculptures demon guarding the entrance are just some of the architectural wonders that are beautiful in the elegant grounds. The statues of two giants are also noteworthy.

Building prangs attributed to early 19th century rulers King Rama II and Rama III. It is said that the monastery dates back to the kingdom of Ayutthaya in Thailand, although it went by the name of Wat Mokoko until it was renamed by King Taksin and his army. According to legend, the king was so amazed by the sight of needles in the bright morning light Wat, for the first time returned to its planned capital Thonburi after defeating the invading Burmese he called "The Temple of Dawn" and was known as such forever.

Ironically, however, Wat Arun, actually appears at its best time in the evening light, the context in which its iconic towers feature in many a postcard. Although the temple itself is closed to visitors for hours sun, the best view of Wat can be seen from the other side of river.

Today, Wat Arun main claims to fame have been derived after home to the revered Emerald Buddha statue and play an important role in the Real Kathin Tod. The latter is one of the most colorful festivals in the country where the king travels downstream in the Royal Barges to present robes to the monks.

Those wishing to explore Wat Arun and a number of other cultural gems Bangkok are advised to find accommodation in central Bangkok hotel. The Grand Millennium Bangkok, located on Asoke Road, is a leading Bangkok luxury hotel located in one of the most iconic buildings of the city in the heart of its business district. Its facilities and services up to international examining five star hotel, catering to the needs of every type of traveler.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.