Wat Phra Kaew – The Epitome of Thai Culture and Architecture

Wat Phra Kaew The Epitome of Thai Culture and Architecture

The Temple of Emerald Buddha known as Wat Phra Kaew together with the Grand Palace presents arguably the best spectacle for the visitors to behold in Bangkok. The legendary history of the Emerald Buddha is traced to India, although some believe that it was brought here from Sri Lanka. This Buddha statue of dark green colour is in the meditating posture. Carved from a single jade stone, no one except for the king of Thailand is allowed to touch the statue. The cloak covering the statue is changed by the king three times per year, with a solid gold robe for winter, a diamond encrusted gold robe for summer, and a gilded monk's robe during rainy seasons, a ritual considered being important for ushering good fortune to the nation.

Regarded as the most sacred temple in the region, Wat Phra Kaew houses a number of other Buddha images in addition to the Emerald Buddha statue. The legendary jataka stories are depicted by the murals around the walls of the temple's interior. Within the Grand Palace's precincts lies a plethora of buildings with architectural experimentation and almost 200 years' royal history linked to it.

The Grand Palace, the former residence of the King adjoining the temple, is used for holding the Coronation Day and other ceremonial functions. The largest hall in the Palace, The Chakri Mahaprasat was built by British architects with a fusion of Traditional Thai architecture and Italian renaissance. Representing the changing centres of Buddhist influence are three pagodas built on the temple grounds. The Phra Si Ratana Chedi is one such shrine in the temple constructed in Sri Lankan style with Buddha's ashes enshrined in it. Due to their towering height, the pagodas attract visitors' sudden attention.

A number of elephant statues are scattered around the complex symbolizing power and independence. Some even tend to rub the heads of these elephants with the intension of granting themselves good luck. Daily frequented by many, the temple is a must-visit for the visitors to Thailand.

The discerning travellers to the region seeking a well-appointed Bangkok Hotel do not have to look any further than Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok. Tastefully designed, the Sukhumvit Hotel boasts spacious accommodations completed with state-of-the-art amenities.

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