Wat Arun the Temple of Dawn
in Bangkok
The Khmer architectural inspired temple of Wat Arun also known as the Temple of Dawn and named after Aruna, the Hindu God of Dawn, is unmistakably one of Chao Phraya River's oldest and most distinctive landmarks. It majestically rises from the banks of the river and is said to date back to the Ayutthayan Period before King Taksin moved the Thai capital to Thonburi and then later to Bangkok. It is located opposite
Wat Phra Kaew
, the temple of the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace complex and Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining Buddha. The temple opens daily from 7:30 am. until 5:30 pm. with a 20 baht admission fee. To get there, you need only to hop on one of the boats leaving from the
Tha Tien Pier near Wat Pho on the Bangkok side of the
Chao Phraya River.
If you look closely enough at the foreground in the photo below, you can clearly see where boats depart from Tha Tien Pier. In the background is Wat Phra Kaew.
View across the Chao Phraya River
Wat Arun the Temple of Dawn
Classical Khmer Design
The main centre prang is 82 metres or 270 feet high and has a circumference at it's base of 234 metres or 768 feet. Though the architecture is mostly centered around classical Khmer design, there are quiet a few traces of Thai mastery here. Millions of brightly colourful pieces of Chinese porcelain donated by ordinary Thai citizens during the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) were used as tiles in the decoration of the prangs. This temple is indeed very unique in Thailand and viewing the site whether during the day or night, is truly spectacular.
Close-Up Detail of Chinese-Style Porcelain
Wat Arun the Temple of Dawn
Chinese Stone Guards
Just to give you some background information and perhaps a little insight into the temples layout, it should be noted that there are a number of distinct features to its unique design. Firstly there are eight entrances leading up to the main tower. Chinese stone figures guard the approach to the lower terrace and in doing so also compliment the highly ornate Chinese-style porcelain decorating the prangs.
Chinese Stone Figures guard the Terrace
Central Prang Mount Meru
Hindu-Buddhist cosmology
The huge central prang represents the mystical Buddhist peak, Mount Meru and supports numerous ornamental tiers illustrating worlds within worlds. The layout of the four minor prangs seen at each corner of the Wat is a emblematic mandala shape. In between at cardinal points to the minor prangs, are four mondops. It is safe to say that the monuments design is symbolic to Hindu-Buddhist cosmology. The photo below shows the central prang to the right and a mondop to the left.
Central Prang of the Temple
Wat Arun the Temple of Dawn
Central Prang Symbolic Levels
What is of particular interest surrounding the central prang is it's several symbolic support levels. Firstly, the steep steps that lead halfway up the prang represent the difficulties of reaching higher levels of existence. They gotta be kidding you! You are allowed to climb the steps, however for some of you, you might need to have nerves of steel should you possibly be a trifle afraid for heights. There are four sets of these fairly steep steps. Best to find one where there's a little less traffic and then hold on tightly to those balustrades if you feel somewhat giddy. Once you reach the terrace on the second level of the pagoda you'll see several small coves, inside which are the half bird, half human
mythological creatures
called kinnari. From here on you won't be able to climb further. Thank goodness! The next level or base is called The Traiphum and represents thirty one realms of existence across the three worlds of the Buddhist universe, Desire, Form and Formless. Thereafter the central section is called The Tavatimsa Heaven. The four cardinal points seen here are guarded by the Hindu god Indra and it is also where all desires are fulfilled. I knew there was a reason for me coming here. The top level is the peak of Mount Meru called The Devaphum and rises above four subsidiary peaks. It denotes six heavens within seven realms of happiness. Indra's weapon known as the vajra or thunderbolt is at the very top of the spire.
Ceramic Detail on the Central Prang
Wat Arun the Temple of Dawn
Light and Sound Shows
But should you be fortunate enough to visit the Temple of Dawn at night, then you will be in for a very special treat as every so often there is a light and sound presentation. No need to rush either as the shows start every 15 minutes or so. I am not too sure what time the last show ends though but nevertheless if you are here in good time, the dazzling display gives you a superb perspective to an already exquisite temple. Did I mention that there is no extra cost for the shows!
Night View from the Chao Phraya River
Return from the Wat Arun to the Bangkok Temple Guide Page
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