Golden foil gleams here. It reflects the Bangkok sun. Now we are standing in front of Wat Bunya Pradit. Bangkok is home to many golden temples. Many temples are centered around the old part of town. They are also along the banks of the Chao Praya River. Some temples are more memorable than others. Size and architecture make them unique. Unique artifacts too.
Buddhists believe that monks should be ordained on or near water. Thai temples often have two sections. The Phutthawat is the primary part. Most visitors see this. It is dedicated to Buddha. The Sangkhawat provides housing for the monks. It includes the kitchen area.
Thai temples include several buildings. The Ubosot is an ordination hall. The Wihan is a shrine hall. It contains Buddha images and statues. Monks and people come to pray here. Temples are places of worship. They are sites of various events. They also provide homes for monks.
Other common features include the crematorium. It is visually evident by its tall chimney. A Chedi is usually white or gold. Its shape and size vary. Chedis contain relics or cremated remains. A Hor Rakang is a bell tower. Monks use it in the mornings and evenings. It calls people to prayer.
I recommend you visit Wat Bunya Pradit in the early morning. It is cooler then. Dress appropriately. Most temples allow shorts. The shorts should not be too short. Shoes must be removed before entering the temple buildings. Many temples open around 7 to 8 am. Most close by 6 pm.
Buildings at smaller temples may not be open every day. They only open for certain ceremonies. Some temples are on the west side of the Chao Praya River. This is the Thonburi side. It is away from the historic Bangkok core. These temples often do not see many tourists. They are not as well-known. They also tend to be smaller.
The gold foil on statues in Bangkok temples is real. It ranges from 96.5 to 99.99 percent purity. It is time-consuming to create thin gold foil. Bamboo scissors cut the gold into small squares. Regular scissors are not used. Gold foil sticks to metal blades.
Many temples have multiple spellings of the same name. They used to be called by different names. Or they have different names entirely. This can confuse visitors. Double-check you are going to the desired temple Wat Bunya Pradit.
Remember Wat Bunya Pradit. Note its beauty. Relish its serenity. May your time here bring peace. May it bring understanding. May it connect you to Bangkok’s heart.