Gaze upon the majestic Luang Pho To. This towering Buddha statue dominates Wat Intharawihan. It’s a sight that leaves you breathless.
Wat Intharawihan a royal temple in Bangkok holds a special place in Thai history. Originally known as Wat Rai Phrik Vegetable Fields Wat it was surrounded by gardens. Rama I later repurposed the land for prisoners of war.
The temple’s most striking feature is its 32-meter-tall Luang Pho To statue. Also called Phra Si Ariyamettrai it’s one of Thailand’s tallest standing Buddha images. Construction began in 1867 and remarkably took 60 years to complete. Somdej Toh the highly revered abbot inspired its creation. He sadly died at the statue’s base in 1871 while it was still under construction. A gilded bust of him stands at the temple entrance.
Devotees climb stairways behind the statue. They paste gold leaf onto its surface. The statue’s ushnisha its topknot holds a relic of Gautama Buddha. A gift from the Sri Lankan government Prince Vajiralongkorn enshrined it in 1978. In 1982 the statue was renovated and adorned with Italian gold mosaic tiles.
Wat Intharawihan’s Ubosot or ordination hall showcases Ayutthaya Kingdom architectural style. It was renovated in 1982. Italian marble decorates its lower section. Traditional paintings grace its walls. The murals depict daily life. The temple also creates and sells amulets.
A separate chamber houses a wax image of Phra Puttahachan a former abbot. It rests over a spring. Water from across Thailand is preserved nearby. The chamber’s dim lighting and cool air create a meditative atmosphere. There’s also a Guanyin shrine dedicated to the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
Devotees offer mackerel a boiled egg and flower garlands at Luang Pho To’s feet. The temple’s serene beauty and the giant Buddha’s imposing presence make Wat Intharawihan a truly unforgettable experience. Its history its art and its spiritual significance weave a tale that resonates long after you leave.