วัดโพธิ์ทองบน

Have you seen a more magnificent temple than Wat Pho? Wat Pho is a breathtaking spectacle. It’s a true feast for the senses. It also holds some fascinating secrets. Wat Pho officially goes by the rather grand name of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihana. It’s nestled within the bustling heart of Bangkok. This isn’t just any temple. Wat Pho is home to the largest reclining Buddha in the city. It also houses the most extensive collection of Buddha images in all of Thailand. Wat Pho is a historical and spiritual landmark. The temple’s origins date back to the 16th century. It began as a modest monastery during the late Ayuthaya period. It was originally called Wat Phodharam. Then in 1788, King Rama I spearheaded a significant restoration. This restoration transformed Wat Pho into the magnificent temple we admire today. King Rama I had recently established Bangkok as Thailand’s capital. He had also constructed the opulent Grand Palace next door. Much of what we see at Wat Pho today was further shaped by King Rama III. In 1832, he initiated another major expansion. This included the South Vihara and the West Vihara. The West Vihara houses the iconic Reclining Buddha. This impressive statue was completed in 1848. It’s a colossal 46 meters long and 15 meters high. The statue is made of plaster molded around a brick core. It’s then covered in shimmering gold leaf. A unique feature of Wat Pho is its historical connection to education and traditional medicine. King Rama III envisioned Wat Pho as more than a spiritual center. He wanted it to be a place of learning. He commissioned countless sculptures and artworks. These include over 1000 depictions of Buddha. He intended these pieces to teach people about history, literature, and Buddhism. This led to Wat Pho being recognized as Bangkok’s first public university. Wat Pho’s link to traditional Thai medicine is equally fascinating. Between 1831 and 1841, King Rama III and Thai scholars added 1431 stone inscriptions. These inscriptions documented various aspects of Thai knowledge, including traditional Thai massage techniques. This is why Wat Pho is still the national headquarters for the study and preservation of traditional Thai medicine. It houses a renowned massage school where you can experience authentic Thai massage. It even offers courses for those interested in learning the art themselves.