Thai Wat, Bangkok. Wat Pho temple complex

Wat Pho is a Buddhist temple complex located in the historical part of Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, on Rattanakosin Island, next to the Royal Palace. The temple is home to a huge gilded Buddha statue in a state of attainment of enlightenment, especially revered by Buddhists. Officially known as Wat Phra Chetuphon, he did not always look the way he can be seen in Bangkok today. Yes, and that same famous statue appeared here relatively recently. However, on the territory of the temple there were very important historical moments in the life of the Kingdom of Thailand, and in this lies its historical significance and uniqueness.

The first monastery on the territory of this truly magnificent temple was built by the monks back in the XII century, together with the foundation of the city of Bangkok. The medieval monastery existed in its original form until the 18th century, when King Rama I ordered the church to be expanded and a first huge stupa, the height of which was 41 meters, attached. Each subsequent ruler expanded the temple, decorated and completed new stupas - to this day there are 95 of them.

Among the 40,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand, the Wat Po temple holds a special position. This is the second largest temple of the kingdom, second only to the status of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is worth noting that this is the official status of the temple of Wat Po, given to him by the National Office of Buddhism.

Wat Pho differs from other temple complexes in its architecture, unusual for Thai culture and Bangkok in particular, weaving and patterns. At the entrance you will be met by the two oldest temple keepers - stone monks with the kindest faces. They were brought here from China in the 18th century.

The Chao Phraya River, the main water artery of Bangkok, flows a hundred meters from the Wat Pho temple. Tha Tien Pier of the Chao Phraya River is located directly opposite the temple, and you can get to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha not only by land, but also by ship, combining the inspection of the temple with a viewing of the impressive banks of the river.

We are all accustomed to the traditional image of a seated Buddha with the benevolent expression of an enlightened face. In the temple, Wat Pho Buddha is depicted as lying, and not just lying, but waiting for the condescension of nirvana. The statue in the temple of Bangkok is one of the largest sculptures of Buddha in the world, it reaches a length of 46 meters, and its height is 15 meters.

The territory of the temple is truly huge - more than 80 thousand square meters, but only the northern part is interesting for tourists. In the south there is a monk's dwelling, Thai massage school and other buildings. The temple complex in Bangkok is considered to be the center of medical knowledge and massage in Thailand: it is believed that this is where the world-famous Thai massage originated. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha was also the cradle of the country's first university.

In Bangkok, more than four hundred famous temples. Bangkok is a place of intermingling races, religions and cults, as well as food and culture. Travelers agree with the conclusions of the Thais that the capital is drunk and leaves an unforgettable impression forever. Bangkok is a prominent representative of the culture of Southeast Asia.

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