Sala,Ho Rakang,Entrance,Chedi

In a Thai temple there is a pavilion for ceremonies and sermons (SALA).

The "SALA" is a pavilion used for ceremonies, feasts and sermons. During major Buddhist feasts, laymen and laywomen sit in the "SALA" in order to listen to the abbot's sermon. In small temples monks eat in the "SALA".

In a Thai temple, there is a gong tower (HO RAKANG) for announcements.

The gong or bells are used for daily timetable. Every early morning a monk hits the gong in order to awake the other monks. A layman often hits the gong in order to call the monks for the morning and noon meals. In the evening a monk hits the gong to indicate the beginning of the prayers.

In a Thai temple, there is always a beautiful entrance. If the temple is well-known, many faithful people give money to embellish it.

Doors are often decorated with brilliant colors and glittering stuff.At night time, monastery entrance is closed and locked.A temple is surrounded by white walls. The walls also represent the separation between the monks and lay people.

In a Thai temple, the pagoda (CHEDI) is the highest building in the temple. In famous monasteries it is used to store relics of the Lord Buddha. In ordinary temples it is used to store the relics of monks.
A Thai "CHEDI" is a kind of pagoda. The "CHEDI" has always the form of a lotus. Lotus is important in Buddhism. It symbols the enlightenment because the lotus blossoms on dirty pool. It symbolises the passage from darkness to light, the passage from ignorance to wisdom.

The "CHEDI" has specific symbolism, representing the different states of life.

Artcle Source:http://www.thaiworldview.com