If you have the opportunity to visit Thailand, the temples below should definitely be on your itinerary.
1. White Temple – Chiang Rai
The official name of the White Temple is Wat Rong Khun, and it is one of the most unmissable destinations in Thailand. The White Temple is a relatively modern structure that opened in 1997. The temple is elaborately decorated with sparkling white sculptures and decorations. Moreover, the sculptures and decorations here clearly depict the Buddhist beliefs. With a three-tiered roof and surrounded by a mirror-like pond, a visit to the White Temple in Thailand is a must when coming to this country.
2. Wat Pho Temple – Bangkok
Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is one of the most famous temples in Thailand. It houses the ashes of King Rama I and has the largest collection of Buddha statues in the country. The most famous is the 46m long, gold-cast Reclining Buddha, which represents the end of samsara and the entrance to Nirvana in Buddhism. The Wat Pho complex contains 108 bronze bowls, representing the 108 positive actions that led the Buddha to enlightenment.
3. Wat Arun – Bangkok
Standing tall on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is an icon of Bangkok. Nicknamed the 'Temple of Dawn', the 82-metre-high central stupa glows like a pearl when the sun rises. The central stupa or 'prang' is said to represent Mount Meru, the centre of the Earth in Tibetan Buddhism. The interior design of Wat Arun is also stunning, reflecting Thai culture.
4. Sanctuary of Truth - Pattaya
Carved entirely from teak, the beautiful Sanctuary of Truth is located in Pattaya, on the Gulf of Thailand. The Sanctuary of Truth was built and operates as a museum of philosophy, art and religion. You can spend hours admiring the intricate carvings, which depict scenes from Thai, Hindu, Buddhist, Chinese and Khmer traditions. Although the sanctuary began construction in 1981 and is still unfinished, visitors still flock to the site to admire the stunning combination of architectural styles and religious beliefs.
5. Million Chai Pagoda – Sisaket
One of the most unique temples in Thailand, the Million Bottle Temple is officially known as Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew. As a result of an eco-friendly initiative to reduce littering, used glass bottles were donated to the monks of Sisaket, who used them to build a temple entirely out of bottles over the course of two years. Amazingly, all 20 buildings in the complex are made from glass bottles, totaling 1.5 million bottles. Furthermore, the positive message of recycling and protecting the planet reflects the Buddhist principle of non-harm.
6. Mahathat Temple – Sukhothai
Wat Mahathat is located in the Sukhothai Historical Park. Dating back to around the 14th century, it was one of the most important temples of the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom. Although the temple is partly ruined, the famous 'Tree Buddha' stone sculpture of the Buddha still exists, encased in the roots of an ancient tree over the centuries.
7. Emerald Temple – Bangkok
Located in Bangkok, the Emerald Buddha Temple is home to a statue of Gautama Buddha in meditation. Although made of jasper rather than emerald, the statue is said to bring good luck to all who see it. These Emerald Buddhas have traveled through many countries in Asia before reaching their final resting place at the Emerald Buddha Temple, where the Buddha’s clothing changes with each season.
8. Chauwatthanaram Temple – Ayutthaya
Built in 1630, this Khmer-style temple is located in the ancient city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It is one of the temples that shows the great influence of Buddhism on Thai culture. It was originally a royal temple where Thai royals would perform religious ceremonies. If you visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram, you will see that the structure of the temple reflects the Buddhist view of the world . It has a similar architectural style to the Khmer temples of Cambodia.
(According to 24h, August 4, 2023)
Source
Comment (0)