Introduction

A typical Wat Thai (loosely translated as monastery or temple) has two enclosing walls that divide it from the secular world. The monks' or nun' quarters or dormitories are situated between the outer and inner walls. This area may also contain a bell tower or hor rakang. In larger temples, the inner wall may be lined with Buddha images and serve as cloisters or galleries for meditation. This part of the temple is called buddhavasa or phutthawat (for the Buddha).

Inside the inner walls is the bot or ubosoth (ordination hall), surrounded by eight stone tablets and set on consecrated ground. This is the most sacred part of the temple and only monks can enter it. The bot contains a Buddha image, but it is the viharn (assembly hall) that contains the principal Buddha images. Also, in the inner courtyard are the bell-shaped chedi(relic chambers), which contain the relics of pious or distinguished people. Salas (rest pavilions) can be found all around the temple; the largest of these area is the sala kan parian (study hall), used for saying afternoon prayers.

In Thai temples, the compound is a space for many activities.
In some monasteries there are many dogs, monkeys or bats. Monks feed animals because those ones are supposed to be persons that misbehaved in their previous life.
Many Thai temples do contain lakes or ponds with cat fishes. Nobody dare to fish them. Feeding them is really impressive because they all converge towards the food. Fedding them brings also merit for next life. In some big temples, there is often a Chinese shrine. Sometimes there is a pond where turtles are living. Feeding them brings also merit for next life (THAM BUN).

Temples are an open space for life. Children often plays in temple compounds.
In big temples there are some restaurants, food sellers and so on... In other there are some clairvoyant people that read the palm of the hand. Even in some monasteries there is a traditional massage school. A famous one is located in (WAT PHO) in Bangkok.
Sometimes in temples close to rivers some small stalls sell fish, birds. Freeing them is a good action.
Article Source:http://en.wikipedia.org
http://www.thaiworldview.com

Bot,Wihara,Prang,Kuti,Chofah,Bai Sema

Bot or Ubosot
The ubosot of Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Rai.
The ordination hall, where new monks are ordained and other important ceremonies take place. The ubosot is not necessarily the largest building in a temple compound, and may not always be open to the public. In fact, the ubosot is supposed to be off limits at all times to women, but this rule is seldom enforced. The ubosot will always have an alter with at least one Buddha image, making it hard to tell the difference between a Bot and a Wiharn. The easiest way to tell the difference is that only the ubosot will be surrounded by Sema stones. Bot can also refer to a Christian church building.

Wihara -- which can also be spelled with a "V" instead of a "W" -- house important buddha images and are where the laity come to pray. While there will always only be one ubosot in a wat, there can be several Wiharn.

Prang
A more phallic-shaped tower that will be in the center of Ayutthaya and khmer-style temples. The prang is typically described as a "corn-cob" shape. Prangs can be found all over Ayutthaya.

Kuti
A temple that also acts as a monastery will have monks' cells, called "kuti." These can come in all shapes and sizes.

Chofah
Chofah are the decorations at the end of roof gables. In Bangkok and the central plains, they are generally shaped like an abstracted antelope head, although they can also be very bird-like.

Bai Sema
Boundary markers, always made of stone. The ubosot is always surrounded by eight boundary stones, marking the sacred ground of the temple. The word bai means "leaf" in Thai. The stones are usually leaf-shaped.

Article Source:http://www.thailandforvisittors.com

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

Wat Suthat

Wat Suthat was constructed in 1807 A.D. after the 27th anniversary of the founding of Bangkok by King Rama 1, the ruler of Ratanakosin. Over the last two hundred years, it has survived the test of time and overall, it is very well managed and maintained. There are many structures and artifacts in this temples which have been renovated, preserved, conserved and the sacred site is like acting as a centre for Buddhist study and dissemination. Wat Suthat also has other names such as being referred as Wat Maha Suthra Wad, Wat Suthat Thep Tharam, Wat Phra Toe or Phra Yai etc. A few of these names were given by the previous Thai King as its strategic center location in Bangkok resembles Suthat Sana Nakhon, a city located on the Mount Sumeru, the center of the universe, where Indra is dwelling and the given names simple implicates the temple is centered as the nucleus of all the good things for the Thai Kingdom that the King wished to rebuilt the brilliance of Ayutthaya, former capital city that capitulated and ruined by the invading of Burmese in 1767.

When we mention Wat Suthat Thep Wararam (or in short, Wat Suthat), we think of the huge and beautifully crafted Phra Sri Sakayamuni (or pronounced as “Si-Sak-kaya-mu-nee” or Sisakayamunee) Buddha image in the temple. To amulets collectors, Phra Kring from Wat Suthat has its magical appeal. This temple is located at Bamrungmuang Road, centre of Bangkok Metropolitan where sometimes locals called it as Krung Ratanakosin. It is actually not too far away from other tourist hot spots such as the Grand Royal Palace, National Museum etc. and within the few square kilometres, you can find the other temples of similar scales or interest such as Wat Boworniweithviharn, Wat Thepthidaram, Wat Mahannopphram, Wat Mahadhat, Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho), Wat Arun, Wat Rachapradit etc.

There is a very prominent structure that some termed it as a Swing, it was believed to be constructed in 1784 that locates mid between the busy traffic at front of the main entrance to Wat Suthat. The entire temple compound covering 45,000 square metres. Within, it has many interesting architectural, sculptural, and visual highlights reflective of original Thai Buddhism theme and philosophy.

Article Source:http://www.thaiguidetravel.com

Wat Sothon Wararam Warawiham

Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan

This temple is in the municipal area by the Bang Pakong River. Built in late Ayutthaya Period, with its original name of “Wat Hong”, it is the location of Phra Phutthasothon or Luang Pho Sothon, the important Buddha image in the attitude of meditation with a width of 1.65 meters and a height of 1.48 meters high. According to the legend, this Buddha image had been floated along the river, before being placed here at this temple. The original image was a beautiful Buddha image, but later on cement was placed on the image to prevent from burglary. Worshippers from all walks of life come to pay respect to this most reputed image by pasting gold leaves on the image.
The present chapel (ubosot) is a new, beautiful, and gigantic building which has replaced the old one. The chapel actually depicts the style of the applied Rattanakosin period.. The operating hours are during 07:00 –16:15 hrs. weekdays and 07:00 – 17:00 hrs. weekends. Moreover, there are many stalls for food and local souvenirs. Long-tailed boat service to and from the city market and the temple is also available.

Article Source:http://www.a-si-a.com

Wat Phra That Cheong Chum

The Phra That Choeng Chum a major and sacred religious monument of Sakon Nakhon, is enshrined at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum in town. Of rectangular shape, it is made of mortar and bricks with a height of 24 meters.

Sakhon Nakhon is the town of the sacred Phra That Choeng Chum and the vast Nong Han Lake. The Phu Thai tribe people living around the town offer an interesting study in ancient customs and traditions, such as the "Wax Castle" festival in October when castles fashioned from wax are celebrated. Sakon Nakhon is 647 kilometers from Bangkok.
Perched on the highlands of the Northeastern Plateau, inland from the Mekhong River bordering the Thai-Laotian frontier, is the Province of Sakhon Nakhon, at an average height of 172 meters above mean sea level, with a rich heritage in history, anchaeology and folklore.
Sakhon Nakhon exist ed as a major city in the Khmer Empire of Khotraboon, with the ancient city of Srikhotraboon within present-day Udon Thani Province as the capital, at the height of its glory during the 12th to the 16th centuries. Many Khmer shrines and artefacts stand proof to the claim and constitute major attractions of the province. The Shrine of the Holy Relic of Narai Jengweng, Phuphek, Dum and the Khmer Bridge are a few examples.
The Phuphan Mountain Range to the south of the province serves as a natural borderline of Sakhon Nakhon and makes up the main feature of the province. A large reservoir next to and brought about by the mountain range, Nong Han, the third largest inland lake in the country, is full the whole year round, being the repository of many major rivers in the area. This natural reservoir served as the site of the ancient city, from whence the name Nong Han Luang originated. It is a huge water source of 12 / 20 kilometers, with an average depth of 3 to 6 meters.
The city of Nong Han Luang was said to have been built by a Khmer prince, the then viceroy of Inthapat, who came to establish the new city on the bank of the large reservoir with his family and followers. The original Khmer city is presently at the district of Tha Sala. It was deserted some time after its founding when a severe drought prompted the Khmer prince to move the new settlement back to Khotraboon. Later, a monarch of the Thai Kingdom, either at Sukhothai or Ayutthaya, extended his power and influence by appointing the Deputy Governor of Kalasin to rule the city as part of the Thai Kingdom. The city was renamed "Sakon Thavapi" or the New City by the Pond.
In The early Bangkok period, when Prince Anuwong of Vientiene rebelled against Bangkok and forced Thai families in Korat towards Vientiene, an incident brought Lady Mo to fame as the heroine of the northeast. Sakhon Nakhon failed to comply with the order from Bangkok to get fresh supplies of gumpowder and reinforcements for the army sent to suppress the rebellion. The ruler of Sakhon Nakhon was executed, the people were evicted to Krabin and Chanthakham. A member of the ruling family of Kalasin was posted to Sakhon Thavapi with a number of his subordinates, to look after the Holy Relic of Choengchum. Later in the reign, King Rama III appointed a descendent of the ruler of Nakhon Phanom who sought protection in Bangkok during the Anuwong incident, to rule the city under the title of Phraya Prachanthathani. The city was renamed Sakhon Nakhon.
Before the consolidation of the power and influence of Bangkok in the early Bangkok period, the city was more or less under the influence of the Kingdom of Lanchang on the left bank of the Mekhong River. Mass migration of the ethnic Phuthai and So tribes took place on many occasions. The former concentrated in the district of Phannanikhom, while the latter settled down mostly in the District of Kusuman. Both tribes maintain their distinctive lifestyles and rich folk traditions.
The most significant religious site is the Shrine of the Holy Relic of Choengchum, within the city area. The stupa, in seek from resmbling a young banana flower-bud, is said to have been built around the 10th century, over one of the most peculiar and sacred sites in Buddhism, where footprints of the Lord Buddha and three other Buddhas before him were made at exactly the same place. The shrine has been regarded bu Buddhist in Thailand and Laos. The temple hall next to the stupa houses a revered Buddha image called Phra-ong Saen, in Khmer style, with a stern face. A new image was built with a smiling face, and enshrined together with the original one.
Two masters of meditation who put Sakhon Nakhon firmly on the map of Buddhist pilgrimages were the reverend Man Bhuridatto and the reverand Fan Acharo who truthfully started the movement for Buddhists to seek theii inner selves and an ultimate state of mind that cannot be troubled by worldly happenings. A museum of the reverend Mn Bhuridatto is situated in his temple of residence, Wat Pa Sutthavat Within the town district, while a memorial of the reverend Fan Acharo as a stupa and a museum was built over his crematory pyre at Wat Pa Udom Somphorn in Phannanikhom District.
The Phuphan Mountain Range features ancient rock layers formed millenia ago. Peculiar hideouts and dense forest made it ideal as an insurgents' stronghold. It was here that the Communist armed struggle started two decades ago. After peace and order was fully restored, a royal palace was built atop Phuphan. The palace has served as the headquarters of Their Majesties the King and the Queen for their yearly visits to the people of the Northeast, normally in November. A major center of the SUPPORT Foundation under the royal patronage of Her Majesty the Queen is situated within the Phuphan Palace and has been instrumental in the revival of ancient and ethnic textiles of this rich region.
The mountain slopes are rich in flora and fauna. The hills erupt in glorious colors year by year with wild flowers that are unique to the area. There are ten existing national reserve forests, and six more to be declared reserved areas.
The inhabitants of Sakhon Nakhon are no less colorful and varied. They strictly observe their ethnic culture and tradition. A festival in Sakhon Nakhon, be it the Wax Castles Festival, the Rocket Festival or the Long Boat Procession, brings out the great variety of ethnic Thai tribes at their best.

Wat Phra Dhammakaya : Bangkok

The Dhammakaya tradition in our era started in 1916 when the Great Abbot of Wat Paknam (Phra Monkolthepmuni) strove with a determination to the degree he was prepared to devote his entire life, to rediscovering through meditation the knowledge known to the Buddhas. Meditation, previously considered nothing more than a mental exercise or spiritual austerity, became popular through this master’s dedication to teaching and research in the Dhammakaya tradition he has discovered. The Great Abbot’s most gifted disciple was a nun Khun Yay Ubasika Chandra Khonnokyoong.
Wat Phra Dhammakaya was founded by Khun Yay in 1970 after the Great Abbot’s death when her own dwelling at Wat Paknam in Bangkok became too small to accommodate all those coming to study meditation there. Khun Yay and her students led by Ven. Dhammajayo Bhikkhu and Ven. Dattajivo Bhikkhu wanted to see the continual growth of the Dhammakaya Tradition and established the temple with vision of a sanctuary for peaceful spiritual practice a refuge in the midst of a turbulent world. The temple was to be a centre for international meditation study.

The temple was established on Magha Puja Day, 20 February 1970, on an eighty-acre plot of land donated by lady Prayat Phaetayapongsa – Visudhathibodi.
The site sixteen kilometres north of Bangkok International Airport was originally called ‘Soon Buddacakk-Patipatthamm’ From acidic paddy fields, a woodland was created: a parkland for meditators. Buildings were kept to a minimum and emphasized simplicity, easy maintenance, cleanliness and durability.
The foundation stone for the main chapel laid by H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on behalf of H.M. the King in December 1977 marked by the official foundation of the center as a temple – Wat Phra Dhammakaya

The Main Chapel was completed in 1982 and the ceremony for the allocation of the chapel boundary (sima) was held three years later.
While the temple was under construction, the Dhammadayada ordination scheme program gave training to hundreds of university students, a steadily increasing number of whom swelled the number of residents in the temple community to 881 monks and 300 novices, 103 laymen and 497 laywomen at the present. At the same time congregations on Sundays and major religious festivals have been known to reach 100,000 necessitating the construction of the Sapha Dhammakaya Hall, planned as the centre for ceremonies. Although recoginizing the importance of constructing buildings, the temple has always placed special emphasis upon training devotes. Thus, in the more than twenty years since the foundation of the temple, activities at Wat Phra Dhammakaya have attracted devotees not just from Bangkok, but from all over Thailand and countries abroad. There are seventeen Dhammakaya Centres with sixty domestic groups and eleven Centres abroad.
The use of modern technology presents traditional teachings in a way that responds to the needs of those in contemporary society. Since the outset of the Dhammakaya tradition, the inner peace of mediation has reflected an aspiration to cultivate peace in the world at large. It has been obvious that the work involved requires more than just a temple organized by monks. For this reason, the temple has grown together with its supporting organization, the Dhammakaya Foundation to facilitate a broader base of activities for the public and participation by lay members of the congregation. Activities are organized at Wat Phra Dhammakaya by the Dhammakaya Foundation. Activities in the present time include mediation teaching and retreats, scriptural education and research, youth training, school orientations, social services, and environmental conservation. Activities for devotees always emphasize working upon oneself through the practices of charity, self discipline and meditation.
With the expansion of the temple to one thousand acres in 1985, Wat Phra Dhammakaya stands on the threshold of the development of the World Dhammakaya Centre as a resource to serve the needs of the international community.
Article Source:http://www.dhammakaya.or.th

Wat Khun Intra Phamun (Ang Thong)

This ancient temple is located 9 kms. along the Ang Thong-Pho Thong route and 2 kms. along an access road. There is a large reclining Buddha image 50 metres long, lying in the open area. The wihara housing the image was destroyed during the first fall of Ayutthaya. The statue of Khun Inthapramun was in front of the Buddha image. According to a legend, Khun Inthapramun is a revenue officer who secretly took away official money to enlarge the original 40 metre construction of the image and was subsequently whipped to death.

The temple was left abandoned for more than 100 years until King Borrommakot of Ayutthaya ordered the reconstruction. Records show that King Rama IV visited this temple twice. Wat Khun Inthra Pramun is regarded as the most important temple in Ang Thong Province.

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

Wat Phra Baht Nam Phu (AidsTemple)

Wat Phra Baht Nam Phu

The Buddhist temple that cares for full-blown AIDS patients

Thailand is a country facing an AIDS epidemic.
Conservative estimates put the number of HIV positive Thais at about one million. That's one in every 55 Thais. Within five years, that number will swell to approximately one in 10 Thais. Every day, another 600 Thais contract the HIV virus. Nine Thais die from AIDS every hour. And these statistics show no signs of slowing down.
With the meltdown of the Thai economy since July 1997, and with scarcely any government welfare for AIDS patients, Wat Phra Baht Nam Phu is a temple that desperately requires your help.

The temple has 400 beds for AIDS sufferers. It survives on generous donations from people like yourself and companies.

The temple has medical and administration expenses of about 2 million Baht per month (US$40,000) which were covered by donations. But since the collapse of the economy last July, the amount of monthly donations has dwindled to about 200,000 Baht (US$4,000). AIDS patients who are strong are now being asked to return to their homes in this interim period until the economy strengthens.

On this web page you can read about the history of the temple, learn about the HIV Band (whose members are all HIV positive) residing at the temple, follow the lives of some of the temple's patients, and learn about the ambitious THAMMARAK NIWET HOUSING PROJECT which aims to create a housing village for 10,000 HIV sufferers.We also explain the many attractions of Lopburi province, 115 km north of Bangkok.
Article Source:http://www.aidstemple.th.org

Tiger Temple:Kanchanaburi

Pha Luang Ta Bua Temple soon began to gain a reputation as a tiger sanctuary and it wasn't long before villagers presented the abbot with two more cubs. Soon after, the monks discovered that some saw the temple's sanctuary as a business opportunity. One morning Muslim hunters arrived with three cubs. They told Acharn Phoosit they were planning to sell the animals in Bangkok and wanted the temple to look after them for a month while they set up the deal. “I refused,” the abbot says sternly. “I said, ‘If you want us to look after them you must give them to us freely.'” The tigers are not the only animals to find sanctuary at the Tiger Temple. Wild pigs, deer, and the rare serow (antelope) wander down from the hills every evening to feed with the cows, goats, chickens, rabbits and other domesticated animals, wild pigs come down from the forest to feed.

One Day Tour:: Bangkok to Tiger Temple... Opens at 1.00 pm and closes 5.00pm
0800-0900 Leave Bangkok for Kanchanaburi and visit to Bridge over the river kwai and cemetery of allied prisoners of war.12.00 Lunch: 1330-1700 Visit Tiger Temple in the dimension of Tiger Island Project and then touch the nature of tigers and other kind of wild animals such as deer, wild fowl, wild boar.1830-2030 Leave Kanchanaburi Province for Bangkok.
PRICE Includes: Vehicle is a Modern High Top Van with A/C Television Surround sound Gate fee paid / Van, Driver, Guide and lunch.Payment is on pick up from your Hotel.

Article Source:http://www.tigertemplethailand.com

Wat Chalong in Phuket

Wat Chalong, situated approximately eight kms southeast of Phuket town, with its typical architecture found throughout Thailand, is not known for its artistic merit.
But the temple still remains the biggest and the most beautifully ornamented of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist monasteries.
The Chalong Temple is associated with three revered monks of Luang Pro Chaem, renowned herbal doctors and setters of bones, who helped the people of Phuket put down the Ahngyee — Chinese Coolie, Rebellion in 1876 during the reign of Rama V.
Statues of Luang Por Chuang and Luang Por Gluam, other monks who were abbots of the temple during later times, and who are the objects of respect and recipients of offerings by Phuket people generally, are enshrined at the Temple.
Actually entering into the temple you are not charged any admission fees but a small donation of 10 baht to contribute to maintenance or restoration costs is appreciated.

Remember - remove your shoes before entering any temple building.
Do not treat the Buddha images disrespectfully, however, you may photograph monks (importantly, women should remember not to touch them), temples or images and all Buddhist ceremonies.
For the most memorable visit try to time your trip for the weekly holy day when the monks chant Buddhist scriptures in the mornings. The holy days are based on a lunar calendar, so check with the locals to plan your excursion.
How to get there: Wat Chalong is about 8 km outside town. Take Vichit Songkram Road to the Bypass Road and turn left, and drive for about 10 mins. Wat Chalong is on the left.

Article Source:http://www.sangson.com

Wat thai in Chicago:USA

Wat Phrasriratanamahadhatu, a Theravada Buddhist temple, was founded in 1992 under the religious law of the state of Illinois by the Thai, Laotian and Cambodian communities in Chicago and other cities in Illinois and nearby states under the leadership of Venerable Ratana Thongkrajai. The temple is located at 4735 N. Magnolia Ave. Chicago, IL 60640.
Objectives of the temple are as follows :
To propagate and promote the teachings of the Buddha.
To fulfill the spiritual needs of the Buddhists and other groups of people.
To assist and promote educational and cultural activities in Thai, Laotian and Cambodian communities in Chicago and surrounding areas
To organize religious ceremonies and activities.

The Monthly Meditation Retreat Program
Wat Phrasriratanamahadhatu provides Buddhist studies and meditation retreat to those who are interested in Buddhism and meditation training. The Monthly Meditation Retreat Program is held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the first week of every month. All instructions and talks are both in English and Thai.
The Thai Language, Asian Culture and Buddhism for Children and Teenagers Programs
Wat Phrasriratanamahadhatu provides classes in the Thai language, Asian culture and Buddhism for children and teenagers on every Saturday.
For more information please contact the temple.
The Current Activities
Wat Phrasriratanamahadhatu has arranged many kinds of activities and services to the public. There are two daily sessions of chanting and meditation at 5 A.M. in the morning and at 5 P.M. in the evening. Those who are interested in them are cordially welcome. On every Saturday and Sunday Dhamma talks and discussions are arranged for those interested in learning more about Buddhism and its philosophy. The provision of aids and facilities for people in performing religious rites and holding merit making is available. Other activities include Dhamma book service and the distribution of free Dhamma tapes. A monthly journal or booklet, called “Dharma Thassana”, is also published and distributed free of charge.
Wat Phrasriratanamahadhatu is open to the public daily from 8.00 A.M. to 6.00 P.M. All are welcome to visit. If you need more information about the temple, its activities and services, please write or call : (773) 784-0257, 907-0554.

Article Source:http://www.watphrasri.iirt.net

Thai Temples in Forieng Countries

How to go toThe Buddhavihara Temple

The new Temple is on Alrewas Road, in the village of Kings Bromley. The village lies on the A515, about 6 miles north of of the Cathedral City of Lichfield. In the centre of Kings Bromley village is a turn onto the A513 which leads down to the A38, from which there is easy access to/from Derby, Birmingham and the motorway network
Eastfield House is about 2/3 mile from the village centre: the dead-end left turn (coming from the village) just by the green locator arrow on the Google map is the drive to Eastfield House.

For those travelling by train:Lichfield City Station is on the Cross-City line (Redditch-Lichfield Trent Valley); trains are every half hour. Trent Valley is a two-level junction, the lower level being the main London-Manchester line. Rugeley station is on that line and is about equidistant from Kings Bromley.

For motorists, clicking the Google logo below will take you to a Google Maps page showing the location of Hampton Road. You can zoom and pan the map using the navigator on the left of the screen.
If you select 'Get directions to here' and enter your home postcode, it will plan a route for you.

Article Source:http://www.watthaiuk.com

Wat Phra Pratomchedi

On coming toward the city, the first glimpse of the towering Phra Pathom Chedi is overpowering. lt is one of the largest pagodas in the world and in Thailand, by far the most holy of all Buddhist structures. The original pagoda was constructed more than 2,000 years ago in the stupa design of an upside down bowl shape. A replica of the original pagoda stands south of the present one. ln the year 1853, King Rama lV commanded the reconstruction of a new huge pagoda covering the original one. lt has a height of 120.45 metres and a total length of 234,75 metres around the base. A nearby museum contains a wealth of priceless relics and many of the stone carvings found in and around Nakhon Pathom. At the four points of the compass in the outer courtyard are four Wiharas (halls) containing images of Buddha in various postures.

Artticle Source:http://www.thaibuddhist.com

Buddhism in Thailand

Two missionaries were sent by Emperor Asoka, Sona and Uttara, as far back as over two thousand years ago to the Land of Gold (Suvarnabhumi). This new land where the two Buddhist ambassadors landed was thought to be the present site of Nakorn Pathom, because certain archeological objects, dug out at this place, proved to belong to this period.
Nakorn Pathom Temple, to the West of Bangkok, about 60 kilometres away, is therefore supposed to be the most ancient Buddhist pagoda in this country.
It was said that in ancient times, when people were still very superstitious and were accustomed to listening to the advice of astrologers, a king called Phya Kong had a son called Phya Pan. When he consulted the court astrologer about the future of his son, the astrologer predicted that his son would grow up to kill his father. Fearing lest this should come true, the king had his child drifted away on a raft down the river. The baby was picked up by an old lady called Hom, who brought him up to manhood. Phya Pan then went to serve a neighbouring king who sent him on a campaign to annex all the nearby territories. Phya Pan led his army to fight Phya Kong, his own father, and killed him without knowing him. Thus the prophecy came true.
When Phya Pan knew of it, he was greatly distressed and sought the advice of priests as to what he could do to make amends. The priests told him to build a very big pagoda in honour of the Buddha, towering as high as possible up into the sky, and thus the pagoda of Nakorn Pathom was built. The present pagoda is not the same as the old one, for it must have tumbled down and put up again several times, the last time being in the reign of King Mongkut, or Rama IV, when he discovered it while he was wandering about as a priest, when he discovered it in the midst of the jungle.
But Nakorn Pathom over two thousand years ago was not Thailand. It was then the Mon Kingdom of Dvaravati. The Thai emigrated from the south of China to this part of the country only in the 13th century, when they conquered the country from the Khmers and the Mons, and established the Thai kingdom of Sukhotai in A.D. 1238.
Buddhism was at the time flourishing in Ceylon, and there were learned Buddhist monks coming to Nakorn Sitammarat. King Rama Kamhaeng of Sukhotai (1275-1317) had learned that a Ceylonese monk had been invited into Sukhothai from Nakorn Sitammarat to help spread the teachings of the Lord Buddha to laymen. The Kings of Sukhothai fostered the new religion, and one of its kings, Litai, the grandson of Rama Kamhaeng, invited another learned monk from the Mon country to his kingdom. Litai was a devout Buddhist, who also wrote treatises on Buddhism, one of which was on cosmology called: "Tribhumigatha" which still exists to this day.
The Kingdom of Sukhothai gave place to the rise of another Thai kingdom in the South, the Kingdom of Ayuthaya (1350- 1767). The kings of Ayuthaya continued to encourage the study and worship of Buddhism and built many pagodas, so that foreigners coming to Ayuthaya in the 17th century could say that Ayuthaya was full of temples and monks. Many temples were decorated with valuable Buddha images made of gold.
When Ayuthaya fell to the Burmese in 1767, Buddhism declined through the lax of discipline and loss of most of their religious books through the flames. The new kings of Thonburi and Bangkok tried to revive it by collecting the scattered religious books together, purifying the conduct of monks, and promoting a heavy programme of building temples and statues. Buddhism flourishes again during the Ratanakosin (Bangkok) period. The most fervent and enthusiastic king of the present Chakri Dynasty of Bangkok was King Mongkut (1851- 1868) who spent 27 years of his life as a Buddhist priest before he came to the throne. During this period of priesthood, he studied Pali, the sacred language of the Lord Buddha. So learned was he that he was able to read all the teachings of the Lord Buddha in the original Pali language. Then he discovered that so many things in the Buddhist way of life and belief had greatly departed from the practice during the days of Buddha himself. He therefore set to purify the Buddhist texts, conducted new studies, and taught new conducts which would bring the conduct of priests and the teaching back into line with what the Buddha had actually taught in his days.
Many priests followed him in this new revised way of Buddhist life. Thus a new school of Buddhist thought was established as a new force in thailand, differing from the old form of practice. The new school started by King Mongkut was called: Dhammayukti Nikaya, or the school clinging steadfastly to the real Dharma of Law of the Buddha. The old school, being still the majority in the country, was called Mahanikaya ( meaning the greater sect). Thus there are now two Buddhist groups in Thailand. They are not distinguishable from each other except in the mode of putting on the yellow robes, mode of pronouncing the Pali texts and certain forms of behaviour, e.g. the Dharmayukti priest would go about in the streets outside the temple, barefoot, without any sandals. The Mahanikaya priests still wear sandals. In Bangkok (and Thonburi) there are only 30 Dharmayukti temples as against 353 Mahanikaya temples.
Information from: "Understanding Thai Buddhism" by M.L.

Article Source:http://www.thaibuddhist.com

The Temple in the sea

Wat Khun Samut Trawat in Ban Khun Samut Chin, Samut Prakan Province in Thailand, is a Thai temple that has now become surrounded by the sea due to land erosion.you can see how far away the temple is now from the rest of the community. Many of the families in Ban Khun Samut have moved their houses inland four or five times during the last two generations. In total, over one kilometre of land has been lost and a further four kilometres has been affected.

The temple is the only building that hasn't been moved yet in this community. Most of the temple buildings have been raised on stilts, including the kutis where the monks sleep. However, the only thing they could do with the chapel is to raise the floor.

How to go to Wat Khun Samut ?

There are no roads at all on Cape Thunder (Laem Fapha) in Phra Samut Chedi District of Samut Prakan Province. To reach any of the communites in that area, you will have to travel by boat and on foot. If you study the satellite maps you will see that most of this area is covered by shrimp farms. To reach Khun Samut Chin Village we went by boat and then walked the last two kilometres. There are no restaurants there so make sure you take your own food and bottled water. There are also no hotels. The following are two methods that we know about:
There is a daily boat service that leaves the pier at Paknam Market. As you walk into the market, straight ahead is the pier for the ferry boat to Phra Samut Chedi on the other side of the river. Don't go there. Turn left and walk about ten metres. Turn right in the first gap and you will reach the pier for the long-tailed boats. The boat for Wat Khun Samut is supposed to leave at 9.15 a.m. However, we twice missed this boat as it went earlier than advertised. The second time we turned up at 8.40 a.m. and we had just missed it. The cost of this boat is 40 baht each. Make sure you tell him where you want to go as there is another boat that goes elsewhere! The boat won't take you all the way to Ban Khun Samut Chin. At the jetty, get off and just walk south through the shrimp farms. The first house you will reach belongs the village chief. There is also a museum here. The next building is bright red and and contains the village shrine. Keep walking south until you reach a sign in Thai that says turn right for the temple. You then walk through a mangrove forest. When you come out, you will see a concrete raised platform on your left. This takes you out to the temple. The boat returns from the jetty at 3 p.m. There is only one boat returning so make sure you don't miss it.

Article Source:http://www.khunsamut.com

Wat Makutkasattriyaram

Wat Makutkasattriyaram ( Wat Makutkasat ) is situated on Phadung Krung Kasem Road and the canal of the same name, near Rachadamnoen Nok Road. When the construction of the Phradung Krung Kasem Canal was completed as the outer moat of the city, King Rama IV wished to have temples built along its banks as had been done in Ayutthaya . Thus he had a temple constructed as companion to Wat Somanasvihara. This temple was completed in 1868 and was originally called Wat Nam Banyad. At the end of the reign the temple was renamed Wat Makutkasattriyaram, which was the royal style and title of King Rama IV.
Wat makutkasat and Wat Somanasvihara are the only two temples in Rattanakosin District that have two rings of sema, or boundary stones. The first ring, called the maha sima, is placed in inches in the temple walls, while the second ring, called the khantha sima, surrounds the phra ubosot. In temples that have two rings of sema, the monks can perform religious ceremonies in both the phra ubosot and the phra vihara.
Important buildings include the phra vihara and the phra ubosot. The gables and on the door and window frames are decorated with the royal crown which was the insignia of King Rama IV. The numerous murals inside the phra ubosot differ from those found in other temples in that they depict scenes from stories in Pali about the Buddha's disciples, commentaries from stories of 11 chief male disciples and the 9 chief female disciples, and illustration of meditation techniques, commandments to observe and so forth, Khmer incantations are inscribed on the door and window panels.

Article Source:http://www.dhammathai.org

Wat Anongkharam Woraviharn

Wat Anongkharam Woravihara (Wat Anong) is located on Somdej Chao Phraya Road . The temple dates from the early Rattanakosin Period. It was first named Wat Noi Kham Thaem, after its builder, Than Phuying Noi, wife of Somdej Chao Phraya Borom Mahaphichaiyart ( That Bunnag ). The temple was built as a companion to her husband temple, Wat Phichayatikaram. King Rama IV later renamed the temple Wat Anongkharam.
The stucco decorations on the gables of the phra ubosot and on the window and door frames of the phra ubosot and phra vihara are highly regarded for their beauty.
The presiding image in the phra vihara, called Phra Chulanark, is an image of the Sukhothai Period in the marn vichai pose, cast from metal and covered with gold. On either side of the phra vihara there is a mondop, beautiful and unusual to behold. The eastern mondop houses the Phra Buddha Saiyat image, copied from Wat Rajathiwas. The western mondop houses a replica of the Phra Buddhabat, which is cast from metal.
Another beautiful object to be found at Wat Anongkharam is the Tripitaka bookcase, the work of late Ayutthaya craftsmen. It is decorated with gold drawings depicting a royal procession on land and on water. On the exterior of the doors are inscriptions relating an episode of story of Mahosot, in which the enemy has laid seige to the city.
Also of interest are monks' residences, where the buildings and fences are of beautiful design.

Article Source:http://www.dhammathai.org

Wat Rakhangkhositraram Woramahavihara

Wat Rakhangkhositraram Woramahavihara (Wat Rakhang) is situated on the Thonburi side, opposite Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. Wat Rakhangkhositraram was originally called Wat Bang Wa Yai and was an ancient temple built during the Ayutthaya Period. King Taksin raised its status to that of a royal temple and had it used as the side of a Buddhist council to recompile the tripikata. In the First Reign , an ancient bell was discovered on the temple grounds and since that time the temple has been know as Wat Rakhang, or the Temple of the Bell. King Rama I has the bell, which has good tone, removed to the Wat Phrasrirattana Sassadaram.
The important buildings include the Golden Palace, where King Taksin and the Supreme Patriarch ( Sri ) resided, and the phra ubosot and tripitaka tower built in the First Reign and decorated with murals.
A building in Wat Rakhangkhositaram that is considered a beautiful example of Thai architecture is the tripitaka tower. Originally this tower was in the middle of a pond that was dug behind the phra ubosot. The tower consists of three identical structures built from timber removed from a palace in which King Rama I had resided before ascending the throne. The outside walls are painted with red ocher while the inside walls are covered with murals depicting the daily life of that time painted by Acharn Nak. The door panels are decorated with lai rod nam designs and beautiful carvings. There are also the large tripitaka bookcases dating from the Ayutthaya Period in the north and south rooms.

Article Source:http://www.dhammathai.org

Wat Phrasrirattana Sasadaram

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Wat Phrasrirattana Sasadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo), or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, situated within the Grand Palace, near Sanam Luang, is a sacred symbol of the Rattanakosin, or Bangkok, Dyansty and the most important temple in realm. It was built by King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, at the same time as the Grand Palace in 1782, when he established Bangkok as his capital, in order to serve as the palace chapel, in which traditional royal ceremonies would be conducted. It thus has a sanctuary for the performance of Buddhist rites, but no residences for monks.
The temple is richly endowed with fine art and architecture. The Emerald Buddha image is enshrined in the phra ubosot, the exterior walls of which are covered with beautiful designs in gold leaf and glass, while the interior walls bear murals depicting the life of Buddha and other subjects.
The phra mondop, or library, is set on a high base surmounted by a stepped pyramid. Inside is reserved a chest containing the Tripitaka, the Buddhist sacred scripture.
The Royal Pantheon, or Prasat Thepbidon, has a high spire. Inside are enshrined statures of the eight previous kings of the Chakri Dynasty.
Next to phra mondop is a miniature replica of Angor Wat, which King Rama IV had constructed.
The walls of the cloister are decorated with murals showing scenes from the Ramakian, the Thai version of the Ramayana. These were originally painted during the reign of King Rama I and have been restored several times.