Thursday, March 29, 2007

RATCHANATDA TEMPLE


RATCHANATDA TEMPLE

Known as the centre for buying amulets in Bangkok, this assortment of temple structures also features the bizarre multitered Loh Prasat. With its 37 surrounding spires and fairy tale architecture it’s quite unlike any other temple in the city. Collecting amulets is a popular hobby in Thailand and many believe these miniature images of the Buddha possess spiritual powers, protecting and bringing good fortune to the wearer. Prices can rage from the cheap to the astronomical, depending on the history, power and design of the piece.

http://thailand-temples.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 26, 2007

BENCHAMA BOPHIT TEMPLE


BENCHAMA BOPHIT TEMPLE

Known as the Marble Temples, this white Italian Carrara marble wat (temple) was built by Rama V at the end if the 19th century. It’s one of the few temples where the monks don’t go actively in search of alms but wait for them to be brought to the temples by Buddhist families in the early mornings. One of the youngest major temples in the city, its architecture and design is markedly modern compared to others.http://thailand-temples.blogspot.com/

Thursday, March 22, 2007

SUTHAT TEMPLE


Surrounded by the greatest concentration of Buddhist supply shops in Bangkok,Wat(temple) Suthat is one of the most important Buddhist centers in the Kingdom and home to some excellent examples of bronze sculptures ,a blend of Thai and Chinese-style mural art and a 14th-century Sukhothai perion statue. The wat (temple)used to be the site for annual harvest ceremonies where brave men would swing up to great heights to catch a bag of gold coins in their teeth.However,the practice proved to be too dangerous and was banned in the 1930s. Today the huge red structure ,named the Giant Swing,still stands in front of the temple.
http://thailand-temples.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

PHO TEMPLE


WAT PHO(Reclining Buddha)
The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the oldest and largest wat in Bangkok,originating in the 16th century before being rebuilt by Rama l. It also houses the largest reclining Buddha statue in the land as well as the greatest number of Buddha images. It is also the centre for traditional Thai medicine and a learning centre for Thai massage where you can either receive or learn how to administer this ancient healing art. The 45-metre- long-reclining Buddha statue depicts the Buddha entering nirvana and is impressive both for its size and the mother-of-pearl detail on the soles of the feet which reveal the 108 auspicious signs of a genuine Buddha.
http://thailand-temples.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

PHRA KAEW TEMPLE

Bangkok
(Temple of the emerald Buddha)

The home to Thailiand's most sacred relic-the Emerald budda-and the country's most stunning temple. Wat Phra Kaew,was completed two years after the capital was completed two years after the capital was moved from Thonburi to Rattanakosin is 1784 and forms the northeastern corner if the Grand Palace complex. The Emerald Buddha was discovered in 1434 when lightning is said to have struck a chedi in Chiang Rai in the north of Thailand.It was originally covered in stucco which peeled off over time to reveal the stone beneath. Sine then it was moved around northern Thailand by a succession of Thai Kings before being taken by the Lao and placed in Vientiane. Rama l retook the status in 1779 and brought it back to Thailand where he placed it at the centre of his new capital.It is the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand. and hundreds pay their respects to it every day. Apart from the amazing architecture,gilded statues and the majesty of temple. Wat Phra Kaew also feature excellent examples of mural art,document both the life and travels of the Buddha and scenes from the Ramakien,the Thai version of the Ramayana epic. http://thailand-temples.blogspot.com/