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 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

Sankeien Garden in Yokohama, Japan

a big pond near the entrance.

We found a hidden street in the bamboo grove.

 

Important cultural property 

"Three-Storied Pagoda of Old Toumyouji"

[Japanese: 旧燈明寺三重塔]

gassho-zukuri houses* [Japanese: gasshō-zukuri, 合掌造り].
*gassho-zukuri house (= a house with a steep thatched roof)

 irori* [Japanese: 囲炉裏] inside one of the gassho style house

"Old Yanohara House [Japanese: 旧矢箆原家住宅]".
*irori (= a traditional sunken hearth constructed in the floor)

tea salon and casual restaurant in Sankeien Garden.

Episode of Yokohama Sankeien Garden [横浜三渓園]

Tomo&Chouchou went to see cherry blossom in Sankeien Garden located in Naka-ku, Yokohama. As soon as we entered the main gate, we found a big pond.
It was the best view from there to see cherry blossom and Three-Storied Pagoda [Japanese: 三重塔]. There was a small bridge around the pond.
While we were walking, we found a hidden street in the bamboo grove.
Important cultural property "Three-Storied Pagoda of Old Toumyouji" was on the small hill. We could look down the main gate and pond from there.
In the Sankeien Garden, there were some gasshō-zukuri houses. We could enter inside the gassho style houses. One of the gassho zukuri house "Old Yanohara House" [旧矢箆原家住宅] has articles for everyday use in the past such as irori [囲炉裏], tatami mats[畳], stone mills [石臼] and tea kettles [やかん]. We could see the life style of people in the past. It was very interesting.
There were four tea salons or casual restaurants in the park. We can drink matcha/maccha(=fine powder of green tea) or eat Udon or Soba noodles, rice balls, red beans soup etc.. Many people were taking a rest or grabing some foods.

We didn't know that we could find such a park in the middle of the city of Yokohama. Thanks to the old Japanese architectures, we could feel that we were out of Yokohama. Sankeien was very large and relaxing place with lots of green.
It was like a small trip on weekend. We could have relaxing time in Sankeien.

Tomo&Chouchou's advice for Sankeien garden

Tomo&Chouchou went to Sankeien garden from the afternoon, so we couldn't see everything in the park. If you want to see all the architectures and to see inside the houses, you had better go from the morning.


Information

Cherry blossoms: Late March - Early April
Wisteria: Late April - Early May
Azalea: Late April - Mid May
Iris: Late May - Mid June
Water lilly: Mid May - Mid August
Hydrangea: Early June - Late June

Please check flower bloom information from Sankeien garden website.
https://www.sankeien.or.jp/

opening hours: 9h - 17h (entry close at 16h30)
closing days: 29 - 31 Dec.
admission fee: 700yen
Address: 58-1 Honmokusannotani, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
横浜市中区本牧三之谷58-1

Access
by Yokohama Municipal bus [横浜市営バス]
from Negishi station[根岸駅],
from Sakuragi-cho station[桜木町駅] or
from Yokohama station east entrance [横浜駅東口]