Perhaps you have sought a haven? Let me tell you about Wat Rat Pho Thong. This temple stands as a serene testament to Bangkok’s rich spiritual heritage.
Wat Rat Pho Thong offers a tranquil escape. It is a place where history and artistry intertwine. It provides a unique glimpse into Thai culture.
Wat Pho is officially named Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan. But it is commonly known as Wat Pho. Wat Pho is a contraction of its older name Wat Photaram.
Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples. It existed before Bangkok became the capital. The name refers to the monastery of the Bodhi tree in India. Buddha attained enlightenment there.
King Rama I rebuilt the temple complex on an earlier site. It became his main temple. Some of his ashes are enshrined here. Rama III later expanded and renovated it extensively.
Wat Pho houses Thailand’s largest collection of Buddha images. This includes a huge reclining Buddha that is 46 meters long. The temple is considered the earliest center for public education in Thailand. UNESCO recognizes the illustrations and inscriptions for public instruction.
Wat Pho also houses a school of Thai medicine. It is known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. This massage is still taught and practiced at the temple.
Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok. It covers an area of 80000 square meters. It is home to over one thousand Buddha images.
The Wat Pho complex consists of two walled compounds. Chetuphon Road bisects them. The northern compound is open to visitors. It contains buildings dedicated to the Buddha. The southern compound houses the monks’ quarters and a school.
The temple grounds contain four great chedis. There are also 91 small chedis. You will see two belfries a bot and various buildings. These include pavilions gardens and a small temple museum. Chinese statues guard the perimeter walls.
Wat Pho served as a place of education for the public. A pictorial encyclopedia was engraved on granite slabs. It covered history medicine health custom and literature. You will find proverbs lexicography and Buddhist religion.
The Phra Ubosot is the main hall. It is used for Buddhist rituals. King Rama I constructed it in the Ayutthaya style. Rama III later enlarged and reconstructed it. Inside is a gold and crystal three-tiered pedestal. It is topped with a gilded Buddha.
The exterior balustrade has around 150 stone depictions of the Ramakien epic. The ubosot is enclosed by a low wall. Gateways are guarded by mythological lions.
The Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn is a group of four large stupas. Each one is 42 meters high. They are dedicated to the first four Chakri kings.
The Viharn Phranorn contains the reclining Buddha. Rama III constructed it in the Ayutthaya style. The interior is decorated with panels of murals.
Adjacent to this building is a small raised garden. The centerpiece is a Bodhi tree. It came from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka.
Phra Mondop is the Scripture Hall. It contains a small library of Buddhist scriptures. King Rama III built the library. Figures called Yak Wat Pho guard its entrance.
Outside the cloisters are many smaller chedis called Phra Chedi Rai. Rama III built seventy-one of these. They contain the ashes of the royal family.
Wat Pho is renowned for its reclining Buddha. Rama III built the statue in 1832. It represents Buddha’s entry into Nirvana. The figure is 15 meters high and 46 meters long. The soles of the feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
The temple is considered Thailand’s first public university. A school for traditional medicine and massage was established in 1955. Courses on Thai massage are held here.
Two pavilions are used as classrooms for Thai massage. Visitors can receive massage treatment for a fee.
Wat Pho has trained over 200000 massage therapists. They practice in 145 countries.
Medical inscriptions and illustrations are placed around the temple complex. Some serve as instructions for Thai massage therapists. These were inscribed by scholars during the reign of King Rama III.
As you leave Wat Rat Pho Thong I hope you carry a sense of tranquility. Remember the lessons of history and healing found within these walls. May your journey be filled with peace and discovery.