Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand

The Reclining Buddha is a famous pattern across the world of the Buddha during his last days of illness before attaining Nirvana. He is seen resting on a cushion with the right hand supporting his head.

The entry gate to Wat Pho complex

The Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (official name for me is an unpronounceable Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawihan) temple complex is next to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace complex in the capital city of Bangkok in Thailand. The entry ticket of 100 Baht gives you entry not only to the Reclining Buddha but to the whole Wat Pho complex along with a bottle of mineral water.

The Reclining Buddha

Though the Wat Pho complex has about a thousand statues of Buddha but this Reclining Buddha is the Thailand’s largest! The Buddha is 15 metere high and 43 metre long coated in gold.

The Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho

It is difficult to click the Buddha as it is housed in a building so a front shot or one in which the entire Buddha can be captured is difficult unlike the one in Burma which is in the open (and probably the world’s longest at 300 meters).

108 symbols of Buddha on the foot Reclining Buddha

The three metre high and 4.5 metre long foot is inlaid with mother of pearl 108 auspicious symbols of Buddha.

108 Bowls around the Reclining Buddha to drop coins

Likewise there are 108 bronze bowls indicating the 108 characters of Buddha in which the devotes drop coins to bring in good fortune. One can purchase a bowls of coins outside the complex to drop them in these bowls. Shoes are not allowed to be worn inside the complex but the interesting thing is that outside the complex you can take cloth bags in which you keep your shoes and carry them inside the temple (see the bags being carried by people in the above photo). This is the first time I saw this practice as in all other Buddhist and Hindu temples they would ask you to keep the shoes outside only.

The golden curls of the Buddha

The back side of the Buddha statue is also interesting where one can clearly see rectangular pillows on which Buddha’s curly haired head is resting.

But do not just walk out after seeing the Reclining Buddha as the other halls and monastery inside the Wat Pho complex is equally stunning. It also has the Thailand’s earliest Massage Schools

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The Royal Monastery of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok

Inside the Royal Palace is the most venerated Buddhist site of Thailand - The Royal Monastery of the Emerald Buddha.

The Royal Monastery of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok

The name itself is a misnomer as the Buddha is not made of emerald but of green jade. The locals call the monastery as Wat Phra Kaew. The story goes that when the Buddha statue was discovered in 1434 in a Stupa in Chiang Rai it was covered in a plaster. When part of the plaster peeled off the monk who saw the green stone underneath thought it was made of emerald and somehow the name of Emerald Buddha stuck. The origin of the statue is believed to be in India.

Pilgrims praying in front of the Royal Monastery, Bangkok 

In front as well as inside pilgrims light candle and joss sticks as well as place flowers and pray. What is interesting is that though it is a monastery no monks stay here and only on royal ceremonies the monks come from outside. This is so as the monastery also serves as a private praying place for the royal family.

Inside the monastery the walls are covered with murals depicting life of the Buddha. Outside walls of the monastery are covered all round with several statues in gold and the walls itself are gold plated.

Decorations on the outer walls of the Wat Phra Kaew Monastery

Despite the fact that the Emerald Buddha is located here since 1778 (for more than 200 years it was in Laos) the monastery looks like new and is well maintained. And despite the fact that there are always lots of tourists thronging the Royal Palace there is no disorder and the crowd management is very good.

The Emerald Buddha with gold costume

The Emerald Buddha sits on a golden throne and the costume of the Buddha is changed thrice a year as per the season by the King in a ceremony though I am told that now as the King is quite old this ceremony is performed by his son.

Photography inside the temple is not allowed. Also as is true for most temples in Thailand one needs to be properly attired. If you are not then you can buy or take on rent appropriate clothing near the entrance of the Royal Place. The entrance fee of 100 Baht is valid for the whole of the Royal Palace.

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Skywatch Friday - View of A Halo from the Royal Palace, Bangkok

Skywatch Friday - View of A Halo from the Royal Palace, Bangkok

I had gone to see the Royal Palace and the Royal Monastery of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok and while touring the place I incidentally looked up towards the sky and I saw this perfect round halo around the sun.

A Halo viewed from the Royal Palace, Bangkok

Not only was the halo there but it stayed for quite some time before it vanished. It is difficult to watch towards the blazing sun either with the naked eye or through your the viewfinder but I did manage to click few photos of the halo with the spires and dragons of the Royal palace as well as Royal Monastery.

Halo around the sun from the Royal Palace, Bangkok

A halo is caused by the rays of the Sun passing through the ice crystals in the clouds and is normally visible only at a particular angle. I have always associated the halo around the Sun or the Moon as precursor to bad weather.

The Royal Monastery in Bangkok and the halo in the sky

Maybe some day I would be able to post the pictures of a halo around the moon as well!

This post is part of Skywatch Friday.

Also read:

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Tourism in Thailand: Lessons for India

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Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace