Exploring Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok
Magnificent Grounds of Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace Complex is considered to be one of the most popular tourist attraction in Bangkok. It occupies an area of approximately 218,000 square metres and is surrounded by a 1,900 metre long white wall near the Chao Phraya River. The complex was once a self-sufficient city within a city. Construction of this truly remarkable site began in 1782 to mark the founding of the new capital, to provide a resting place for the sacred Emerald Buddha and a residence for the king. The grounds are open daily from 8:30 am. until 3:30 pm.
Ramakien Figures on the Golden Chedi
Exploring Wat Phra KaewA Guided TourAllow me to guide you around this magnificent temple compound fashioned after the many palace chapels from the former capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. The grounds contains a number of typical monastic structures with the first one being at the entrance, the statue of Shivaka Kumar Baccha who was reputed to be the Buddha's private physician. Just behind is the Emerald Buddha temple.You would think that the most important temple here is the one that houses the Emerald Buddha because so much more has been documented about this little guy than any of the other equally enchanting hallmarks. Nonetheless don't get me wrong, the reason why this Buddha is so revered is due to his fascinating voyage of discovery. He rests within the most sacred building in the complex. While you are in this area, take a short walk towards the southeast corner of the complex to a part of the Ramakien Gallery. There you will find the 19th century Chapel of the Gandharara Buddha. Housed inside is a Bronze Buddha Image used during the
Royal Plowing Ceremony
in May of every year. The bell you see in the belfry is rung only on very special occasions such as New Years Day.
Mural depicting a scene from the Ramakien
Exploring Wat Phra KaewThe Ramakien GalleryEncircling the entire temple complex is the cloister-like Ramakien Gallery lavishly decorated with meticulously restored paintings and vast murals depicting ancient legends of the Ramakien. High levels of humidity have persistently damaged many of the 178 original 18th century panels and they have to be regularly renovated.Each mural is divided by a marble pillar and inscribed with a verse. If you should decide to walk the entire perimeter (that is all the way around the cloisters) in a clockwise direction, you will get to see the complete story albeit you haven't a clue as to what the legend is all about. It's perhaps a tall order if you're up to it. A pair of giant
Yaksha Demons
grace each gateway to the gallery and are said to be guardians as well as protectors to the Emerald Buddha against evil spirits. Originally placed here during the reign of Rama II, each one represents different myths from the Ramakien. I believe the green one to be that of the demon king Tosakan but I have no idea what the others represent. Let me know if you do.
Phra Si Rattana Chedi and Phra Mondop
Exploring Wat Phra KaewThe Upper TerraceThe first structure likely to capture your eye on the upper terrace is the striking gold and mosaic tiled encrusted Sri Lankan-style circular Phra Si Rattana Chedi. It is one of four structures built here by King Mongkut (Rama IV) said to contain a piece of the Buddha's breastbone. Around the outside walls are a number of gleaming porcelain tiled Ramadien figures, one of which has the feet of a monkey. If you take a good look at the photo on this page, you should be able to spot it.Adjacent to the chedi in the center of the terrace is Phra Mondop built by Rama I as a library hall to house Buddhist scriptures. Although closed to the public, you can only but marvel at the splendid exterior. The building has numerous seemingly endless high columns studded with blue and green glass mosaic and at the very top of the structure, is a multi-tiered roof resembling the crown of a Thai king. Surrounded the building are sacred bronze elephant statues said to represent the royal white elephants from the first five reigns of the Chakri dynasty. Apparently the four Javanese Buddha images seen on the four outer corners are early 19th century copies. The originals are in the museum at the
Grand Palace Complex.
One other structure of immense interest on the upper terrace is a replica of the 12th century Hindu temple Angkor Wat. The original, in Cambodia is believed to be the largest religious site in the world which I had the privileged to have seen. The scaled-down version at Wat Phra Kaew was commissioned by Rama IV to show his people the gracious splendor of its architecture while under Thai rule.
Mythical Creatures on the Upper Terrace
Exploring Wat Phra KaewThe Northern TerraceLastly we arrive at the northern section of Wat Phra Kaew where we find three structures, the first being Ho Phra Nak, the royal mausoleum. Built by Rama III after the original, constructed in the 18th century by Rama I, was demolished.The earlier structure contained a gold, silver and copper Nak Buddha image which was rescued from Ayutthaya. It was later moved to the nearby Chinese porcelain decorated Wihan Yot temple on the same terrace. The present building is a lot more modern and used to house the ashes of minor members of the royal family. The final building we come to on this tour is Ho Phra Monthien Tham. It's an auxiliary library built by the brother of Rama I. The outside door panels you see here were salvaged from Wat Borom Buddharam in Ayutthaya. Should you step inside, you will find many ornate cabinets where Buddhist scriptures are stored. Well folks that's it for now. I really hope you have enjoyed this wondrous journey with me as much as I did and that you found the data here of immense benefit. Should you require additional information, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Wat Phra Kaew Miniature at Pattaya
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