Buddhism
is indeed a very tranquil and peaceful practice. Buddhism has created a musical
effect to the entire country. Their temples are very important to the people
and consider Buddha to be a source of enlightenment, good fortune and good
health. The monks of the Buddhist monastery are also frequently approached by
the people for their advice and counsel. It is also customary for the boys to
ordain themselves as monks for a certain period of time and live within the
temple.
In
understanding the history of the country, we should also be privy to the fact
that Buddhism is no young practice in Thailand. It was introduced as old as
about 2200 years ago; a time when, Ashoka the great emperor of India sent monks
all over the world spreading the mysteries and holiness of Buddhism. The
Buddhist temples here are referred to as 'Wat'. This also means the temple
complex, which contains the several parts of the temple, like the Viharn,
Chedi, Ubosot, etc. Here are the Top Four temples That You should not miss on
your visit to Thailand.
The Wat Phra Kaew
This
temple of Buddha is considered as the most sacred temple and is also an
important pilgrimage site to the Thai Buddhists. The temple is also known as the
'Temple of Emerald Buddha', and is located within the grounds of the Royal
Grand Palace in Bangkok. The emerald Buddha is found in the Ubosot or the
ordination hall.
The
Emerald Buddha image depicts a Buddha clad in an attire of Gold and precious
jewels, seated on a raised flamboyant alter.
This
is a very revered temple and there is a strict dress code for all people,
locals and tourists alike. Long pants, long sleeved shirts and long skirts are
a must. You will need to remove your shoes prior to entering the hall, as in
all the Buddhist temples. Do not disturb any worshipper inside the temple by
making loud noises.
The Wat Pho
Also
known as the Temple of the reclining Buddha, this image of a 46 meter long
reclining Buddha is a pretty famous and attractive temple in Bangkok. Located
in the immediate South of the Royal Grand Palace, this temple is also a must
visit.
Lovingly
called the Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram, this temple is one of the six
high graded Royal First Class temples in the country. It is the oldest and the
largest temple in Bangkok, housing more than a 1000 Buddha images.
The
Gold Plated Reclining Buddha is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. The soles of
the Buddha's feet measure 3 meters in height and 5 meters length. Mother of
Pearls are inlaid in several segments of the feet. This image represents the
passing of Buddha into his final Nirvana after his last breath.
The Wat Phra Pathom
Chedi
'The
Holy Chedi of the Beginning' as the name implies, is one of the oldest temples
yet in Thailand and is found in its oldest city Nakhom Pathom. The Orange
roofed Chedi or stupa is a very impressive structure and is visible from far
away. Standing to a towering height of 120 meters, this is the largest Buddha
Chedi in the entire world.
Some
say the temple is as ancient as the 3rd century BC, when Buddhism was
introduced in Thailand. Its Chedi is modeled after the famous Sanchi Stupa of
India.
The
temple is open from 7 am to 8 pm and the entry and the Entry Fee is 40 Thai
Baht.
Wat Mahathat Worawihan
This
great Wat is a Royal temple that features its five highly massive Prangs.
Located in a busy old district of Phetchaburi town, this Wat is considered to
have been founded over 8 to 10 centuries ago.
The
Highlight of the temple is the five prangs that it proudly peaks over its
structure. These massive prang also known as the Phra Prang Ha Yod stand at the
center of the courtyard of the Wat Mahathat. it is surrounded by 4 smaller
prangs, the tallest of which stands over 40 meters and enshrines the Relics of
Buddha.