Wat Phra Kaew - The First Most Visited Temple In Bangkok

Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram, officially calledconsidered to enshrine the Emerald Buddha, but
"the temple of the Emerald Buddha" or "Wat Phratoo small to accommodate the congregation at
Kaew", had built in the reign of "King Rama I",royal ceremonies. Now it is used for keeping
Phra Bat Somdej Phra Phuttha Yod Fa Chula Lokstatues of deceased 8 kings of Chakri Dynasty.
Maha Raja, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty.C. On the four-sides of cloisters like-galleries (Phra
The construction work had begun in 1782 andRabiang) around Phra Ubosoth, there are the Mural
completed in 1784.Paintings depicting Ramakien epic (the Thai version
The temple of the Emerald Buddha, the royalof the Hindu epic, Ramayana). These paintings
chapel, is located east, adjoining the Grand Palace.consist of 178 sections, firstly done in the reign of
The temple is particularly built to house theKing Rama I. Later, some parts of Phra Rabiang
Emerald Buddha, a Buddha image which Kingand paintings were renovated from time to time
Rama I brought from Vientiane when he capturedin the present Chakri Dynasty.
the city.The paintings of Ramayana epic around Phra
Although it is the most national sacred temple,Rabiang start from north door turn to the west.
there is no any resident monk. But, it has onlyD. The golden Stupa, Phra Sri Ratana Chedi, has a
elaborately decorated holy buildings, statues, andbell shape which is the Ceylonese style. The chedi
pagodas.was built by Rama IV to house a relic of the
Major AttractionsBuddha. Its form imitates the large chedi of Phra
A. The Emerald Buddha or Phra Kaew Morakot,Sri Sanphet temple in Ayutthaya, the former
the highly revered Buddha image, meticulouslycapital of Thailand. Later, in the time of King Rama
carved from a huge block of Jade. It is theV had applied the golden tile mosaics to the Chedi.
Buddha image in the seated meditating position, inE. Phra Mondop, Ho Tri, or the library, was built in
the style of the Chiang San School on the norththe time of King Rama I, containing the new copy
of Thailand.of Tipitaka (important Buddhist scriptures). Phra
The Emerald Buddha was first discovered inMondop is based on the Pillars and located
Chiang Rai province in the reign of King Triloknathabetween Phra Sri Ratana Chedi and The Royal
(1441-1487). Later, it was taken to severalPantheon. However, it is almost always closed to
important cities such as Lampang, Chiang Mai,the public.
Luang Phra Bang, and Vientiane.If you have a free time, you can visit Patron Rub
When 1778 King Rama I overcame over Laos, heushi, Gate-keeping Giants, Phra Vihara Yod (The
had brought it back at Wat Arun in Thon Buri, thespired Hall), Model of Angor Wat, The lined
capital at that time. And, in 1785, the EmeraldPavilions (Sala Rai), etc.
Buddha was transferred from Wat Arun to WatThis is the first temple guides I recommend in
Phra Kaew and then shrined in the Phra UbosothBangkok-Thailand-Guide
(ordination hall) until now.Transportation to Wat Phra Kaew
B. The Royal Pantheon or Prasat Phra Thep Bidon,Located within the Grand Palace, near Sanam
originally called Buddha Prang Prasat, was built inLuang, Phra Nakorn District, Bangkok
the reign of King Rama IV in 1855. This building isTelephone Number 02 623-5500 ext.
a pavilion with four-square Prangs. It is initially