If you are into learning about world religions, you will hit the jackpot in Thailand. The country is filled with magnificent Buddhist temples, some dating back centuries but others much younger. The temples in Thailand are made of wood and stone, yet they all offer a sense of peace to all who visit.
White Temple
The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is a gorgeous gingerbread creation that is one of the newest temples in Thailand, being built in 1997. Reminiscent of a fairytale castle covered with snow, it might be the ogre’s home since statuary has a ferocious look. A highlight of this privately owned temple is the bridge of the “cycle of rebirth,” under which outstretched hands reach to the sky. Across the bridge is the Gate of Heaven where two creatures decide the fate of the dead.
Temple of the Reclining Buddha
With more than 1,000 images, Bangkok’s Temple of the Reclining Buddha hosts the largest collection of Buddhas in Thailand, including a reclining Buddha that is 45 meters (150 feet) long. Built on an island close to the Grand Palace, the temple complex is considered the best of the best royal temples. Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples and is considered the birthplace of Thai massage. An early center for public education, walls are decorated with inscriptions on various subjects.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is an impressive temple complex in Ayutthaya, an ancient capital of Thailand. Built to honor a king’s mother, the temple is the most visited site in Ayutthaya. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, but the scenic river is no competition for the temple. The layout of the 17th-century temple subscribes to the traditional Buddhist view of the world, with temples corresponding to mountains, continents, seas, and human habitat.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun is known as the Temple of Dawn but it might just as easily be known as the Temple of Magnificence. This temple rising above the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok is nothing short of spectacular when it's lit up against the night sky. One of Thailand’s landmarks, the temple is just as stunning when lit up by the morning sun. The Khmer style tower, covered with colorful porcelain, glistens in the sun. Surrounding buildings are covered in seashells and more porcelain.
Wat Mahathat (SukhothaiWat)
Mahathat, located in northern Thailand’s Sukhothai Historical Park, is an ancient temple that is considered the park’s most important and impressive temple. Some 168 sculptings of Buddhist disciples with hands clasped decorate the base of the main stupa, which was built to contain relics belonging to Buddha. This is fitting as the name translates as “temple of the Great Relic.” A large sitting Buddha can be found at Orientation Hall, while a huge standing Buddha is nearby.
Temple of a Million Bottles
The Temple of a Million Bottles (Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew) isn’t your usual Buddhist temple; indeed, it is one of the more unique temples in you’ll find in Thailand. The complex incorporates about 1.5 million recycled glass bottles in its design; glass bottles are even used in the toilets. Mainly green Heineken and brown Chang bottles are used; bottle caps are used to create mosaics. The complex has about 20 buildings, including prayer rooms and a water tower.
Sanctuary of Truth
The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya gives new meaning to the word “impressive.” Intricate carving covers every inch of the wood structure, which is filled with traditional Buddhist and Hindu decorations. It is a newer temple, a work in progress; it began in 1981 and is scheduled to be completed in 2050. Its aim is to honor the traditional ancient values of earth, knowledge and Eastern philosophy by teaching about human responsibility, thought, a cycle of life, and life’s relationship with the universe.
Source touropia
