Travelogue Wat Pho or Temple of Reclining (Sleeping) Buddha in Bangkok
 
Wat Pho or Temple of Reclining (Sleeping) Buddha in Bangkok
Written by Shirley T   
Monday, 20 October 2008 03:36

First spot - Face of Buddha
After leaving the ground of The Grand Palace, we took a left turn back to the main road where the three elephants statue is and walked towards south along the wall of The Grand Palace. That afternoon was hot and luckily we brought along an umbrella for shade. Rain or shine, we were determined to make it.

At the end of the wall, there is a junction, we made a right turn and several tourist buses were there. Yup, we were getting closer to the entrance of Wat Pho. It is open from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm and entrance fee costs 50 Baht each person.

If you are entering from front gate near the ticketing booth, the hall on the right is where the statue of Reclining Buddha is situated. Take off your shoes before entering.

Wat Pho is also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon among the Thais. It is the largest and oldest wat in Bangkok besides housing more than 1,000 Buddha images, most from the ruins of the former capitals Ayuthaya and Sukhothai.

Wat Pho also shelters a huge impressive gold plated reclining Buddha statue of 46 meters long and 15 meters high.
Second spot - Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
This reclining posture of Buddha image illustrates the Buddha is resting
as explained here with a story why reclining Buddha image is usually built large. Observing carefully, Buddha's right hand is placed above the 'pillow' holding his head. Unless the right hand of Buddha is lying next to his body, then the image denotes the stage of Buddha entering into Nirvana (passing away).

Buddha's hand on the 'pillow' to support his head
If you love photography like me, there are two spots to shoot the beautiful Buddha image. One is between two pillars capturing Buddha's head near the entrance while another spot is at the end, near the feet of Buddha to capture a complete image of reclining Buddha. Do not miss to cover the mother pearls decorated on the soles of Buddha's feet that portrays the 108 auspicious characteristics of Buddha.
Mother pearls on the soles of Buddha's feet
Tired of walking? Get a Thai massage here. We read about it but we didn't try due to time constraints. If you did try, please share your experience with us Smile.


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