9 Sacred Sites in Bangkok

9 Sacred Sites in Bangkok



The 9 Sacred Sites Buddhists inThailand pay homage at the temple or‘wat’as they believe it is a way to make merit. They consider paying homage to the principal Buddha image or to the main Chedi of the temple as an auspicious activity that grants them happiness and good luck. The number nine is considered auspicious because it is pronounced as‘kao,’similar to the word meaning ‘to progress’ or ‘to step forward.’ Therefore it is believed that a visit to nine sacred temples in one day gives the worshippers prosperity and good luck. The nine sacred temples in Bangkok are of significant value as they are royal temples and convenient for worshippers as they are located close to each other in the heart of Bangkok.

Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) This temple is the most famous landmark of Bangkok and was built during the reign of King Rama I to house the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most valuable and sacred Buddha image. The beautiful mural painting on the walls surrounding the ubosot depicts the Ramakian, Thailand’s national story based on the Indian Ramayana epic. Guarding each of the gates of the balcony are 12 Yakshas, giant demons measuring 6 metres in height. Highlight: It is believed that those who come to pay respect to the Emerald Buddha, made of green jadeite, are granted endless wealth and prosperity. Location: Within the Grand Palace compound on Na Phra Lan Road Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) Originally calledWat Photharam, the construction of this temple began in the Ayutthaya period. King Rama III renovated Wat Pho into the centre of education and art, making it Thailand’s first university. Registered with UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MOW), the historic marble inscriptions illustrate much valuable wisdom, including Buddhist precepts, literary works on traditional medicine and herbs, and hermits’ illustrations of traditional Yoga postures. Apart from the giants guarding the gate, Wat Pho is famous for its traditional Thai massage and meditation centre. Highlight: The wihan houses the largest golden Reclining Buddha in Bangkok, measuring 46 metres, with mother-of-pearl inlays of 108 auspicious signs of Buddha on his feet. Those who come to pay homage to the Reclining Buddha are believed to live with happiness and peace. Location: Sanam Chai Road, behind the Grand Palace, near the Tha Tien Pier Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

Wat Saket (The Golden Mount) Wat Bowonniwet Wihan Wat Saket (The Golden Mount) This temple was built in the Ayutthaya period, but the construction of the Golden Mount, an artificial hill topped by a 100-metre tall gilded pagoda housing the Lord Buddha’s relics, started during the reign of King Rama III and was completed in the reign of King RamaV.The 320 stairs leading to the top of the Golden Mount offers a panoramic view of Rattanakosin Island. Highlight: The principal Buddha image housed in the wihan is believed to grant worshipper auspicious vision. There is an annual festival every November that involves a beautiful candlelight procession up the Golden Mount. Location: Boriphat Road, not far from the Democracy Monument Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Wat Bowonniwet Wihan Built in 1829, this temple is where several kings, including H.M. King Bhumibol, resided during their monkhood. The first chief abbot of this temple was King Rama IV, and the current chief abbot was appointed the Supreme Patriarch. The architectural style of this temple is a perfect combination of Thai, Chinese, and Western art. The ancient mural paintings inside the wihan feature beautiful artwork by a noted artist who adapted Western style drawings to Thai art. Highlight: People believe that by paying homage to the glorious Phra Phutthachinnasi, the ancient Buddha image that was molded in 957, allows them to encounter good things in life. Location: Phra Sumen Road, in the Bang Lamphu Area Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Wat Chana Songkhram Wat Suthat Wat Rakhang Construction of this temple began in the reign of King Rama I and was completed in the reign of King Rama II. The temple features the tallest wihan and the longest Ubosot in Thailand. The carving on the front door of the wihan is a replica of beautiful work created by King Rama II, the original of which is kept at the National Museum. Highlight: Making merit at this temple and paying homage to the principal Buddha image, a 14th century BuddhaimagefromSukhothainamedPhraSiSakkayamuni, makes the worshipper a leader with vision. Location: At the intersection of Bamrung Mueang Road andTiThong Road, near Sao Ching Cha (the Giant Swing) Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Wat Chana Songkhram This temple was given the name“Wat Chana Songkhram,” meaning‘Temple of Victory in War,’by King Rama I after a ceremony performed at the temple following a victory at the famous Battle of the Nine Armies as well as the other two important battles. Located within the compound of the temple is the monument of King Rama I’s younger brother, who fought alongside the King in battles. Highlight:‘Phra PhutthanorasiTrilokkachet,’measuring 2.5 metres in width and 3.5 metres in height, was cast during the reign of King Rama I. Making merit at this temple and paying homage to this principal Buddha image makes worshippers conquer all obstacles. Location: Chakkraphong Road, near Khao San Road Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Wat Kanlayanamit Located within the Kudi Chin community, this temple was built in 1825 as the local residence for King Rama III. Its Chinese influence is reflected in the architecture of the temple. Housing the biggest bell in Thailand, the temple also features beautiful mural paintings within the ubosot depicting the life of the Lord Buddha and the way of life during the King Rama III period. Highlight:The Buddha image,‘Luang PhoTo,’enshrined in the wihan, is believed to bless worshippers with lasting friendship and a safe journey. Location: Thetsaban Sai 1 Road, by the Chao Phraya River in Thon Buri district Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Wat Rakhang An ancient bell was discovered at this temple during the King Rama I period and was moved to Wat Phra Kaeo and five bells were installed as its replacement, giving this temple the name“Wat Rakhang”or‘Temple of Bells.’ Apart from the Bell Tower, which houses the 5 bells, and the Tripitaka Hall containing scripture bookcases, the temple also displays murals painted by renowned artists of the King Rama VI period. Highlight: People come to pay homage to the principal Buddha image in the main wihan as well as the statue of Somdet Phra Phutthachan To, one of the most highly revered monk of Thailand. People believe that they are blessed with good fortune and they become famous like the chimes of the bell. Location: Opposite the Tha Chang Wang Lang Pier on Arun Amarin Road Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) This temple was promoted as the royal temple by King Taksin under the name ‘Wat Chaeng,’ (meaning ‘bright’) as he arrived at this temple after defeating the Burmese at dawn. King Rama II gave this temple a new name, ‘Wat Arun Ratchatharam,’ and King Rama IV later renamed it ‘Wat Arun Ratchawararam.’ It is commonly known as ‘Wat Arun’ or the ‘Temple of Dawn.’ It has a magnificent 81.85 metre tall Khmer-style Prang (tower) decorated with porcelain from China and 4 smaller prangs surrounding it. Highlight: It is believed that those who make merit at this temple and pay homage to the principal Buddha image have a glorious life like the rising sun. Location: Arun Amarin Road, on the west side of the Chao Phraya River Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Things to remember while visiting the sacred places Buddhist temples are places of worship on holy ground, thus it is important that visitors respect the following temple etiquette: l Avoid sleeveless shirts, short pants, and short skirts, and ensure that your clothes cover your shoulders and your knees. Some temples do not allow improperly dressed visitors to enter, and some provide sarongs for visitors to wear in case of unacceptable clothing. l Remove shoes before entering the ubosot or wihan of the temple. l Buddha statues and Buddha images are religious objects, and visitors are expected to treat them with the utmost respect, and not lean on, sit on, touch, or point their feet towards them. l Women are not allowed to touch monks, monks’ robes, or hand any objects directly to monks.

Wat Saket Printed in Thailand by Promotional Material Production Division, Marketing Services Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand for free distribution. www.tourismthailand.org E/JUL 2017 The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice.