Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a temple that is more than 400 years old, and has a Buddha statue that is 46 meters long and 15 meters high? If you are planning to visit Bangkok, Thailand, you should not miss the opportunity to see Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, and experience its beauty and significance.
Wat Pho is one of the most important and oldest temples in Bangkok, and the largest temple complex in the city. It is also known as the birthplace of Thai massage, and the first public education center in Thailand. In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, attractions, and massage school of Wat Pho, and why you should add it to your bucket list.
What is Wat Pho?
Wat Pho, or Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn, is the official name of the temple, which means “the temple of the reclining Buddha and the monastery of the great sage”. The name “Wat Pho” comes from the Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, and the ancient Indian temple of Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha preached his first sermon.
Wat Pho was established in the 16th century, during the Ayutthaya period, as a small temple near the Chao Phraya river. It was later expanded and renovated by King Rama I and King Rama III, who made it their royal temple and a center of traditional medicine and education. Wat Pho was also the first temple to be inscribed as a UNESCO Memory of the World site, for its collection of murals, inscriptions, and statues that represent the art and culture of Thailand and other regions.
What is the architecture of Wat Pho?
Wat Pho covers an area of 20 acres, and consists of four main sections: the ordination hall, the assembly hall, the scripture hall, and the cloister. The ordination hall is the main building of the temple, where the monks perform their rituals and ceremonies. It houses the famous reclining Buddha statue, which we will discuss later.
The assembly hall is the second largest building of the temple, where the monks gather for meetings and prayers. It contains a large Buddha image, and several smaller ones, as well as paintings and sculptures of mythical creatures. The scripture hall is the third largest building of the temple, where the sacred Buddhist texts are stored and studied. It is decorated with gold and lacquer, and has a roof with multiple tiers and spires. The cloister is the outer wall of the temple, which surrounds the inner buildings and structures. It has 16 gates, and 394 Buddha images along its corridors.
One of the most distinctive features of Wat Pho is its stupas, or pagodas, which are cone-shaped structures that contain relics or ashes of the Buddha or his disciples. Wat Pho has 91 stupas, of which 71 are original and 20 are added later. The stupas are painted in different colors, such as white, green, blue, and yellow, to represent the different reigns of the kings who built them. The stupas are also adorned with ceramic tiles and porcelain pieces, creating a mosaic effect that reflects the sunlight.
What are the attractions of Wat Pho?
The most famous and impressive attraction of Wat Pho is the reclining Buddha, which is the largest reclining Buddha statue in the world. The statue is 46 meters long and 15 meters high, and represents the Buddha in his final moments before entering nirvana, or the state of enlightenment. The statue is made of brick and plaster, and covered with gold leaf. The statue is also decorated with mother-of-pearl inlays, which form the eyes and the soles of the feet. The soles of the feet have 108 panels, which depict the auspicious symbols of the Buddha, such as flowers, animals, and angels. The statue is located in the ordination hall, and is surrounded by 108 bronze bowls, which represent the 108 positive actions that lead to nirvana. Visitors can drop coins into the bowls, which create a soothing sound and bring good luck.
Other attractions of Wat Pho include the four chapels, which are located at the four corners of the temple complex. Each chapel contains a large Buddha image, which represents a different posture and aspect of the Buddha, such as standing, sitting, walking, and meditating. The chapels are also decorated with paintings and sculptures of gods and goddesses, such as Brahma, Indra, and Lakshmi. Another attraction is the giant swing, which is a wooden structure that stands in front of the temple. The swing was used in the past for a ceremonial game, in which young men would swing high in the air and try to catch a bag of gold with their teeth. The game was discontinued in the 19th century, due to its danger and difficulty, but the swing remains as a symbol of the temple and the city.
How to reach Wat Pho
There are several ways to reach Wat Pho, depending on your preferred mode of transportation. Here are some of the options:
By BTS Skytrain and boat: You can take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station and then leave the Exit 2. After that, walk to Sathorn Pier. From there, catch the Chao Phraya Express Boat (single trip fare is 15 baht) to Tha Tien Pier. The temple is just a 3-minute walk from the pier
By MRT: You can take the MRT station, Sanam Chai. The temple is about a 5-minute walk from the station2.
By river taxi: You can also take a river taxi from any pier along the Chao Phraya river. The fare is usually around 10 to 15 baht per person. You can ask the driver to drop you off at Tha Tien Pier, which is the closest to Wat Pho3.
Wat Pho is a temple that offers more than just a sightseeing experience. It is a temple that offers a cultural, historical, and spiritual experience. It is a temple that showcases the beauty and diversity of the Thai art and architecture. It is a temple that preserves and promotes the tradition and wisdom of the Thai medicine and massage. It is a temple that you should visit and explore. Whether you are interested in the reclining Buddha, the stupas, the murals, or the massage, Wat Pho has something for everyone. Wat Pho is more than just a temple, it is a destination that will enrich your mind, body, and soul.
