Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan (Wat pho)
- April 27, 2024
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History Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm
Wat Pho, originally called Wat Photharam, is believed to have been built during the reign of King Narai the Great, though its creation may also date back to the reign of Phra Phet Racha. It was later re-established and renamed Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalawat during the reign of King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great and His Majesty graciously granted Change the name of the monastery to “Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan”. Subsequent major restorations occurred during the reigns of King Nang Klao and King Mongkut. However, repairs during the reign of King Chulalongkorn were halted due to insufficient funds.
Under King Rama I’s reign, the monastery was restored and expanded, becoming a significant educational center under King Rama III, who also commissioned the construction of the Reclining Buddha, completed in 1848. King Rama III transformed Wat Pho into Bangkok’s first public university and added over 1000 depictions of Buddha to facilitate learning about history, literature, and Buddhism. Additionally, King Rama III and Thai scholars added 1431 stone inscriptions between 1831 and 1841 to preserve cultural heritage, including Thai massages. In the present day, Wat Pho remains the national headquarters for the teaching of traditional Thai medicine and underwent its last major restoration in preparation for the Bangkok Bicentennial Celebration in 1982.
Architecture and Important
Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn comprises four towering pagodas encircled by a white wall adorned with Thai-Chinese style gates featuring colorful glazed tiles and guardian Chinese rockeries. Each pagoda stands at 42 meters, distinguished by elaborate spires and vibrant mosaics. Phra Maha Chedi Sri Sanpetdayarn, with its green tile mosaic, was constructed during King Rama I’s reign to enshrine Buddha relics and cover the ruins of the Phra Srisanpetch Buddha statue from Ayudhya’s Royal Palace. The white-tiled Phra Maha Chedi Dilok Dhammakaroknitarn, representing the King Rama II era, was built by his son, King Rama III. King Rama III also constructed the yellow-tiled Phra Maha Chedi Muni Batborikharn for his reign, while the dark blue-tiled pagoda symbolizes King Rama IV era and his admiration for Buddha. King Mongkut enclosed these pagodas to commemorate the Chakri Dynasty’s four kings during their lifetime, ensuring no more pagodas were needed.
Yak Wat Pho, also known as Wat Pho’s Giants, stand at the entrance gate of Phra Mondop, resembling figures from the Ramayana. They are often mistaken for Chinese stone dolls (“Laentan”) due to their proximity to the nearby entrance. Legend has it that Yak Wat Pho and Yak Wat Jaeng, guardians of Wat Pho and Wat Jaeng (Temple of Dawn) respectively, were once close friends. However, a dispute arose when Yak Wat Pho failed to repay money borrowed from Yak Wat Jaeng on time. This disagreement escalated into a destructive battle, resulting in nearby damage.
Phra Isuan intervened, cursing both giants to turn into stone statues. Yak Wat Pho was positioned to guard Wat Pho’s assembly hall (Phra Ubosot), while Yak Wat Jaeng was stationed at Wat Jaeng. The site of their conflict became known as “Tha Tian,” meaning flattened ferry, marking the aftermath of their epic clash.
Thai traditional medical science has deep roots in Thai culture, spanning across communities and historical periods. During the Rattanakosin period, King Rama III appointed Phraya Bamroer Rajaphat to preserve and disseminate this knowledge by inscribing it within cloisters, Phra Maha Chedis, and Sala Rai. Subsequently, in 1856, King Rama V’s royal doctors undertook the translation of important Pali-Sanskrit texts into Thai, creating the Medical Handbook – Royal Edition.
An essential milestone in Thai medicine was the establishment of the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School in 1955 within Wat Pho itself. This institution, approved by the Thai Ministry of Education, offers foundational courses in Thai Pharmacy, Thai Medical Practice, Thai Midwife Nursing, and Thai Massage, ensuring the preservation and continuation of Thailand’s rich traditional medical heritage.
The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, a notable Buddha image from the early Bangkok Period, is a majestic 46-meter-long structure made of brick and stucco, covered with lacquer and gold leaf. Located in the monastic area’s northwestern corner, this Buddha is depicted in the “Lion Sleep” position. Notably, the image’s face measures 5 meters by 2.50 meters, while its feet are 5 meters long and 3 meters high. Among its remarkable features are the mother-of-pearl inlaid soles, making it renowned as one of the finest large-scale reclining Buddhas.
This Buddha holds immense significance for Thai Buddhists and foreigners alike, being one of the nine holy shrines revered in the city, symbolizing happiness. Additionally, beliefs surrounding 108 auspicious symbols, originating from ancient Sri Lankan scriptures, are associated with the footprints of Prince Siddhartha, discovered five days after his birth. These symbols encompass various themes, including fortune, prosperity, royal attributes, and elements of religious cosmology, contributing to the spiritual richness of Thai Buddhism.
Wat Pho Directory
the story of walls
Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram, or Wat Pho, is a royal temple with an extensive collection of mural paintings, making it the largest repository of mural art in Thailand.
Mural paintings are divided into two main categories:
1. Dhamma Themes: Depicting stories related to Buddhism, such as the life of the Buddha and his teachings.
2. Worldly Themes: Providing knowledge on various subjects outside of Buddhism, such as cultural practices and Thai society.
The depiction and portrayal of mural paintings in Wat Pho have provided people with knowledge in various fields including art, literature, and science. These murals serve to educate people on moral principles, reflecting the history and culture of Thailand.
Key mural paintings include:
– The Enlightenment of Buddha, illustrating the highest teachings of Buddhist monks and novices.
– The Biography of Phra Kassapa, portraying the significant events in the history of Buddhism.
– The Journey of Prince Siddhartha, depicting events in the life of the Buddha when he was still a prince.
– Two episodes of the Biography of Buddha: the Initial Sermon and the Sermon under the Bodhi Tree.
Wat Pho plays a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the history and culture of Thailand. The mural paintings in this temple serve as important communication tools that help people gain profound insights into various aspects of Thai culture.
Other view of Wat Pho
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