Wat Phra Kaeo
Wat Phra Kaeo, or known generally among foreigners as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, adjoining the Grand Palace on the same ground, was completed and consecrated in 1784, two years later after King Rama I had ascended the throne.
The 945,000 square-metre compound encompasses over 100 buildings that represent 200 years of royal history and architectural experimentation. Most of the architecture is of Bangkok or Rattanakosin style.
Wat Phra Kaeo is regarded as the most significant of all Thai temples, and the small green-jade statue of the Buddha, high on its golden altar in the Chapel Royal, is the most sacred image in Thailand. When the statue was first found in 1434 it was coverd in stucco.Years later, the stucco started to crumble away and several miracles occured, giving the Buddha a reputation for bringing good fortune. Today, thousands of worshippers pay their respects in front of the statue. The late Ayutthaya style murals on the surrounding walls depict the lives of Buddha, and the superb door panels with mother-of-pearl inlay illustrate scenes from the Ramakian, the Thai version of the Indian Ramayana,. The golden outer walls and gilded angles reflect the sun, while bells along the roof-line give voice to the wind.
On the upper terrace, next to the Chapel Royal are three other very sacred buildings: the Royal Pantheon, surrounded by gilded male and female Kinaree, half-human figures, which hold the Tripitaka, the sacred Buddhist sculptures; and the impressive golden Phra si Rattana Chedi which houses ashes of Buddha. The nearby model of Combodias Angkor Wat is a reminder that Combodia was once under Thai rule. The whole ground is enclosed by galleries decorated with superb murals depicting the Ramakian.
Wat Phra Kaeo is adjoining The Grand Palace on the same ground, click here for more information about The Grand Palace.
Wat Phra Kaeo and The Grand Palace is open daily from 08.30 am to 3.30 pm. Proper dress is required.
