Wat Pho in Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Pho : Temple of the Reclining Buddha

 

Gate of Wat Pho

There are gardian figures beside the gate.

Viham Phranorn,  Phra Buddha Saiyas

(Chapel of the Reclining Buddha)

- inside the Chapel of the Reclining Buddha -

the entrance of the Chapel of the Reclining Buddha.

We removed our shoes and entered the chapel Viham Phranorn.

As soon as we entered the chapel,

we could see the Reclining Buddha on the left.

the Reclining Buddha seen from the front

 

 

photo spot for the Reclining Buddha

 

 

feet of the Reclining Buddha

 

 

- the other side of the Chapel of the Reclining Buddha -

(Back side of the Reclining Buddha)

Donation box.

We donate here and get coins to put into 108 bronze bowls.

 

 

coins for 108 bronze bowls

 

It is said that we can get rid of Kleshas 

through putting the coins into 108 bowls.

 

 

Buddhist painting

 

 

 - around the Chapel of the Reclining Buddha -

view from Suan Misakawan [=Misakawan park]

Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn (in the center), Phra Mondob (on the right).

 

 

Misakawan park [Suan Misakawan] 

beside the Chapel of the Reclining Buddha

It looked like a Guardian dog.

 

 

the gate to go to Phra Ubosot

 

Phra Mondop, Phra Mondob

 

Phra Chedi Rai

 

 

the gate to go to Phra Buddha Saiyas [=the Chapel of the Reclining Buddha]

 

Belfry near the chapel of the Reclining Buddha

 

 

Episode of Wat Pho

Tomo&Chouchou went to Thailand through Japanese travel agency "HIS". It was group tour. Local guide brought us to many places. We visited Bangkok on the third day of the tour. Wat Pho is very famous for the Reclining Buddha. Tomo&Chouchou was very excited to see the Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho. We wanted to see it as soon as we arrived in Thailand. But we waited until third day. 

Wat Pho was surrounded by high wall so we couldn't see inside from outside of the wall. We entered the gate. There were Chinese guardian figures beside the gate. The gate was beautiful. As soon as we entered the gate, there were so many attractive Buddhist buildings in front of us! We wanted to see and approach to many things but at first, we visited the most famous place "Viham Phranorn" (or "Phra Buddha Saiyas", "Chapel of the Reclining Buddha" in English). We had to remove our shoes to enter the chapel. As soon as we entered the chapel, we could see the head side of the Reclining Buddha. We could quickly understand how big the Reclining Buddha was. It was just "Wow!". How big it was! We even felt the chapel was too small for the Reclining Buddha. We also felt the greatness of the Buddha. Buddha was just reclining but the quietness of Buddha told us many things. The Buddha was shining in gold. It was glorious. We were facinated by the Buddha. We watched the Reclining Buddha from many angles. When we saw the Reclining Buddha from the front, the facial expression of the Buddha changed. It looked smiling. There were a few photo spots for the Reclining Buddha. We could approach the Buddha more there. The Reclining Buddha was very long. The feet of the Buddha was long too. It was impossible to take a whole body of the Buddha in a photo. 

We went to the other side of the chapel. It means the back side of the Reclining Buddha. In this side, we put coins into 108 bronze bowls. At first, we donated to get coins. Coins were already prepared in the small silver cup on the donation box, so we just took it. We put one coin to one bowl. It is said that we can get rid of Kleshas through putting the coins into 108 bowls. Kleshas is dirt of our hearts. It is considered as poison. Kleshas are like greed, sensuality, lust, aversion, hatred, dislike, anger, complaints, delusion, and dullness. Those feelings bring us anxiety, fear, anger, jealousy, desire, depression. Actually, putting the coins into the bowls made us concentrate on putting coins. So we could forget about the bad emotions. At the end, we felt joy with satisfaction and fulfillness. 

In the Chapel of the Reclining Buddha, we could find severl Buddhist paintings. Everything was interesting and beautiful.

We went out from the chapel. There was a small garden called "Suan Misakawan [English: Misakawan Park]". From there, we could see the roofs of Phra Mondop (or Phra Mondob) and Phara Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn. They were splendid.

We decided to go to the other side of Wat Pho. We could see the roof of Phra Ubosot over the gate. Near the gate, we could see Phra Mondop beautifully. We could find many chedis after passing the gate. It was like an another world from the chapel side. 

We bought some postcards at souvenior shop. Then we went back to the chapel. There were always guardians figures beside the gate. Each guardians were different. It was interesting to see many guardian figures too. There was the Belfry near the chapel. It was very beautiful. It would be nice to hear the sound of the bell. 

We didn't have time to see other places in Wat Pho because of the group tour. If you have time, you could enjoy more such as Thai massage. Anyway, we were so satisfied to see the Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho. It was right to come to see it! It became unforgettable memory.

 

 

Information

Wat Pho, Wat Po

Official name: Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan

It is known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Open: 8:30 - 18:30

Address: 2 Sanam Chai road Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang Phra Nakhon Bangkok

Relating article

another Reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya -> Wat Low Kaya Suta

other sightseeing spots in Bangkok

- Wat Arun