Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand

 Wat Arun [Temple of Dawn]

 

Wat Arun under restoration

Entrance of Wat Arun

Gold statue near the entrance of Wat Arun

Chinese guardian statue near the entrace of Wat Arun

Gold Buddha statue near the entrance of Wat Arun

Small pagoda. One of the 4 smaller satelite prangs.

Monkey guardian diety called "Mock" were in the lower part of the prang.

Primary Hindu diety "Vayu" on the white horse was in the upper part of the prang.

Phra Prang. Great Pagoda. The central prang.

It's about 80m high.

Demons were in the lower part of the prang.

Monkeys were in the middle part of the prang.

Angels were in the upper part of the prang.

Buddha statue in Wat Arun

We could go up until 2nd stage of the prang.

Kimnara (or Kinnara) images were at the bottom of the pagoda.

Hanuman statues were supporting the prang at the bottom.

Vayu was on the white horse in the upper part of the prang.

Vayu is the spiritual father of Hanuman. 

We could understand why Hanuman statues were supporting Vayu.

Yakshas (or Yak) statues were at the bottom of the central prang.

We coould see Vayu on the white horse closer.

The color of the smaller prang looked different from the one looked from the entrance.

the central prang. the great pagoda

There were stairs to go to the middle of the prang.

porcelain statue

Left prang: Phra Prang, the central prang, great pagoda

Indra, Hindu god riding on the white elephant "Erawan", was in the great pagoda.

Episode of Wat Arun

Tomo&Chouchou visited Wat Arun with group tour from Japan. Local guide brought us to Wat Arun. Before going to Wat Arun, we didn't know anything about the history of Wat Arun. We were just suprised to see the beautiful pagodas.

When we arrived there, we could understand that Wat Arun was under restoration. We were a little bit disappointed because it's not so convenient to take photos. Anyway we walked to the entrance. We could already see the central prang in front of the entrance.

As soon as we entered, we could find the gold statue. It looked kind and friendly. We also found Chinese guardian, gold Buddha statue, horse statue and guardian dog near the entrace. We were astonished by the size of pagodas. We were also amazed by the beauty of pagodas. We could find the central prang (=Phra Prang) in front. It is about 80 metres in height. There were four smaller satelite prangs around the central prang. There were also several statues relating to Thai mythology such as Garuda, demons, monkeys around the central prang. All the prangs were decorated with colorful beautiful tiles. Many floral patterns were decorated. Porcelain statues were very beautiful too. We couldn't stop taking photos because of the beauty. The color of the pagoda looked different depending on the angles. We really enjoyed to look at all the pagodas.

We could go up the stairs until the second level of the pagoda. It was very nice view. We could approach to the monkey statues. We could see the Hindu gods on the white elephant or on the white horse closer. 

It was very enjoyable. We recommend to visit Wat Arun!

For your information,

When Tomo&Chouchou visited Wat Arun, it was in 2015. Resotoration was between 2013 to 2017. It is now finished.

When we visited Wat Arun, Tomo&Chouchou didn't know the history of Wat Arun and the Thai mythology. We didn't know why monkeys were there etc. Even though we didn't know the history or mythology, we could understand the greatness and we could feel the spiritual power. We could enjoy the beauty of Wat Arun. While writing this article in this blog, I studied characters in Ramayana (=ancient Indian epic.) a bit. We now feel Wat Arun is more interesting to see. We also learned Wat Arun was international place because Chinese gods and Indian gods were together. This is why Wat Arun is peaceful place. We advise you to read about Thai mythology or history before visiting. It would surely be more interesting!

 

Characters in Ramayana

Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic. It's important in Hinduism. Most of the characters come from Ramayana. 

Indra:  ancient Vedic deity in Hinduism. King of the gods, thunder god, weather god, war god and hero god. It's related with lightning, thunder, storms, rains, river flows and war.

Vayu: a primary Hindu deity, a god of the wind in Indian mythology, god of air, wind and breath. a spiritual father of Hanuman.  

Vanara: a monkey-like race in Indian mythology. They are brave and curious.

Hanuman: divine vanara (monkey). son of Vayu. companion of God Rama. God of Wisdom, Strength, Courage, Devotion and Self-Discipline

Mock: white monkey guardian deity, a god of justice, amulet gardian deity

Yakshas (or Yak): amulet gardian deity,

Airavata: a white elephant in Indian mythology. Indra's vahana (=god's vehicle). Erawan in Thailand. It has more than three heads.

Erawan: an elephant with one torso and three heads. one of the Thai names of Airavata. It carries deity Indra.

Vahana: animal vehicle

Kinnara (or Kimnara): a class of semi-divine beings. half human. 

Garuda: a sacred bird appears in Indian mythology, legendary bird or bird-like creature in Hindu, Buddhist faith.

Information

Wat Arun,

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworawihan

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Royal Palace

Ratchawararam temple, Arun temple, Temple of Dawn

[Thai: วัดอรุณราชวราราม, วัดอรุณราชวราราม ราชวรมหาวิหาร ]

Buddhist temple and royal monastery.

Open: 9:00 - 16:30  or 8:00 -18:00

Admission: 200 Baht

Address: 34 Arunamarin Rd., Wat Arun, BangkokYai, Bangkok 10600  or

158 Wang Doem Road, Wat Arun Subdistrict, Bangkok Yai district, Bangkok 10600

Access: by express boat or water-bus

Relating article

other sightseeing spots in Bangkok

- Wat Pho

 

 

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

Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya, Thailand

((UNESCO World Heritage))

Ayutthaya ruins:  Wat Phra Mahathat

 

ruins of Buddhist temple "Wat Mahathat"

Here was near the entrance of Wat Mahathat.

 

 

We found the Buddha statue and the prang.

 

 

sunset of Wat Mahathat

It was getting dark.

 

Head of Buddha in a tree.

 

main prang of Wat Mahathat

 

 

Gallery of Rabieng Khot

 

 

around the main prang

 

 

Sunset of Wat Phra Mahathat

 

 

sunset of Wat Mahathat

 

 

main prang of Wat Mahathat

 

 

main prang of Wat Mahathat

 

 

Buddha statue and main prang

 

 

near the exit of Wat Mahathat

 

 

Episode of Wat Mahathat

Tomo&Chouchou joined Japanese group tour organized by HIS. We visited Ayutthaya on the second day. We had already known about the head of Buddha in a tree's root. So we were very excited to see it.

We arrived at Wat Mahathat. We could find the ruins built by red bricks once we entered Wat Mahathat. We were already excited. Then we found a Buddha statue. Most of the head of Buddha statues in Wat Mahathat were taken by Burmese army. We were at least glad to see a whole Buddha. 

We arrived there in the evening. The sun has begun to set. We hurried to see the main spot of Wat Mahathat. We could find the head of Buddha in a tree. It was very sacred. We could feel the power of mother nature and god. We could also feel that the right thing would be protected in any difficult situation. We lowered ourselved under the head of Buddha for the photo. We received the power of Buddha. We could appreciate the opportunity to be able to visit Wat Mahathat.

After that, we saw main prang of Wat Mahathat. It was very big and tall. We could imagine that it would be much bigger and taller before being destroyed.

We saw the gallery of Rabieng Khot. There were many headless Buddhas there. We felt sad. We couldn't believe such a cruel act of cutting off the heads of Buddha statues. We strongly felt that we should not repeat such kind of invasion and war.

Around the central prang, some prangs and the wall remains. We could see Khmer style prangs. We could also find another whole Buddha statue in Wat Mahathat. It was the sitting Buddha. We could approach this Buddha.

The sunset of Wat Mahathat was very beautiful. The shape of prangs or pagodas and the colorful sky were matched well. We lost the word by the beauty of the sunset. We even felt the time stopped. As a result, it was good to visit Wat Mahathat in the evening. We left Wat Mahathat before getting very dark.

 

History of Wat Mahathat

Why are there headless Buddha statues?

Burmese army invaded Ayutthaya. There were gold leaves on the heads of Buddha statues. Burmese army cut off the heads of Buddha statues and brought back to Burma. It was a proof of victory.

Why is the Buddha head embedded?

When Burmese army cut off the heads of Buddha statues, they forgot to bring it back. After many years past, it was found in a tree. 

Information

Wat Phra Mahathat, 

Temple of the Great Relic, Monastery of the Great Relic,

[Thai: วัดมหาธาตุ พระนครศรีอยุธยา ]

Open: 8:00 - 18:00

Address: Naresuan Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 

Relating article

- Wat Lokaya Sutha in Ayutthaya

Wat Lokaya Sutha in Ayutthaya, Thailand

Ayutthaya ruins: Wat Lokaya Sutharam

 

Phra Buddha Sai Yat, The Reclining Buddha

[Thai: พระพุทธรูปปางไสยาสน์]

road in front of Wat Lokaya Sutharam

Souvenior shop in front of Wat Lokaya Sutharam

The Giant Sleeping Buddha

5 - 8 meters Height, 37 - 42 meters length

place to pray to Phra Buddha Sai Yat

Soles of Phra Buddha Sai Yat

Behind the Reclining Buddha

Khmer-style main prang [or pagoda] in Wat Lokaya Sutha

Things we should not do;

Do NOT climb up monuments such as Stupa and Pedestal

Do NOT place your face on the headless Buddha statue and take a picture.

Ruins of the Buddist temple built during the Ayuttaya dynasty

There were small reclining Buddha and giant reclining Buddha.

Episode of Wat Lokaya Sutha

Tomo&Chouchou joined Japanese group tour organized by HIS from Japan. We visited Ayutthaya on the second day of the tour. We went there by car. Wat Lokaya Sutha was located in the middle of nowhere. Suddenly Wat Lokayas Sutha appeared. The car was parked in front of the Wat Lokaya Sutha. There was a souvenior shop there. We accrossed the road and walked ahead toward the ruins of Wat Lokaya Sutha. There was no gate. Suddenly the giant sleeping Buddha was in front of us. We were very suprised to see it. It was simply big and it was sleeping in the open air. We were also suprised at dogs around because they were also reclining like the reclining Buddha. :-) 

The Giant Sleeping Buddha is called Phra Buddha Sai Yat. It is also called the Reclining Buddha. It is 5 or 8 meters in height and 37 or 42 meters in length (height and length are different according to the articles). For us, it was simple giant. It was even difficult to take a picture of whole body of the Buddha. Buddha looked smiling. It looked peaceful sleeping. Also Buddha was beautiful. We were fascinated by the reclining Buddha for a while. Then, we decided to approach the reclining Buddha. The soles of Phra Buddha Sai Yat were giant too. We also saw the back of Phra Buddha Sai Yat. 

Behind the reclining Buddha, we found main prang (or main pagoda) in the remains of the ordination hall; Ubosot. We were very sad to see the ruins because many things were destroyed. However we were glad that prang (or pagoda) and chedi or stupa remained. We walked in the ruins for a while. We could feel old Ayutthaya. 

We prayed to Phra Buddha Sai Yat. We appreciated to be able to come to Wat Lokaya Sutha.

Tomo&Chouchou's advice for Wat Lokaya Sutha

Wat Lokaya Sutha is the location filled with mystical energy. It is the we-must-visit place!

There is the small reclining Buddha in front of the giant reclining Buddha. It is said that if we put the gold leaf on the same part of the small reclining Buddha where the bad part of your body and pray, that part will be cured. We can buy the gold leaf nearby near the Wat Lokaya Sutha. We can also buy the flowers, candles and incence sticks.

Information

Wat Lokaya Sutha "The temple of the Earth"

"Wat Lokayasutharam" or "Wat Lokaya Suttha"

[Thai: วัดโลกยสุธาราม]

Wat Lokaya Sutha is ruins of the Buddist temple built during the Ayuttaya dynasty. It was destroyed by the invasion of the Burmese army.

Location:  Pratuchai Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Open: 8:30 - 16:30 or 8:00 - 17:00

Entrance fee is free.

Relating article

- Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya

- another Reclining Buddha in Bangkok -> Wat Pho