Following the Grand Palace exploration, we went on a short walk to visit Wat Pho or วัดพระเชตุพนวิมลมังคลารามราชวรมหาวิหาร in Thai (I had to copy and paste that one!) This is also located in the district of Rattanakosin in Bangkok. This complex was very interesting as it functions as a univeristy for Thai medicine and massage training as well as hosting the Reclining Buddha. In fact, this is said to be the birthplace of Thai massage. Although Mark and I are BIG fans of Thai foot massages and part-take in that cultural experience often in Thailand, we did not have time for a massage during this cultural visit. (Don't worry though-we were able to squeeze one in after dinner!)
Cultural lesson: I had to do some research here to save all of you from needing to investigate. I also think it's important to learn a bit more about the culture than just looking at my pictures :)
A traditional Thai temple consists of both a Phuttha-wat (an area dedicated to Buddha) and a Sangha-wat (the monks living area). The Phuttha-wat area has many parts to it and includes the main Buddha statue, an area for scriptures, an open pavillion, an assembly hall for visitors and monks to congregate, an Ordination hall that is the most sacred area, a bell tower, and many other special areas. The Sangha-wat area is basically the living quarters as you would think, only on a much more simplistic form. (Wikipedia and www.bangkok.com, 2/26/14)
Wat Pho is said to be one of the oldest, as well as, largest wats in Bangkok. You may wonder, "well how many wats can there be in one city anyway?"...good question, the answer is around 43. However, there are around 40,000 in Thailand!!! I had to verify that, but I feel that the Office of National Buddhism is a reliable source so I am going with it. However, not all 40,000 are active. Back to Wat Pho, this temple has approximately 1,000 images of Buddha but the claim to fame per se, is the Reclining Buddha. It measures 15m high and is 43m long!
 |
| This candle is in the hallway with other memoribilia from distinguished guests and nations. President Obama sent this candle from the White House. (On a side note, we were the only nation to send a candle and hurricane lamp...) |
 |
| Mark standing at the end...those are the toes on the right side. Mark is 6 ft. 1 in. tall, for comparison sake. |
 |
| The feet up close. |
The feet measure 3m high and 4.5m long. They have mother-of-pearl inlaid which is creating the designs of 108 images of flowers, elephants, etc. These images, we were told, represent auspicious symbols of Buddha.
Buddha is a religious symbol and as such you must dress appropriately inside the temples. There are signs dictating the do's and don'ts. We knew ahead of time that our shoulders needed covered, you take your shoes off outside, no shorts, no PDA, etc. There are robes to slip-on outside if you are not appropriately dressed, as most visitors are wearing touristy clothes made for the high heat and humidity, so it's not a problem if you aren't previously prepared. Anyways, Mark and I thought "really, they need signs saying "no PDA" in a religious place". Well here comes Jen walking through the temple and talking to Mark about watching his wallet (as pick-pocketing may happen). He wasn't answering me though, so I turned as realized I was speaking to some other tall, white, European guy and not Mark. It was also at this time that I realized by entire left side of my bra and chest was hanging out. Apparently my camera strap is very strong and in 95 degree temperatures, you don't really notice a little skin hanging out! So no PDA from us, but I was basically flashing everyone...I apologized profusly to Buddha and we were on our way again.
Additional information was gathered from: http://www.watpho.com. I encourage anyone interested in this place to view this video and website. There are some gorgeous photos and you can see Wat Pho at sunset, which is stunning. If you look at the top right-hand side of the website, you can have it translated into English, after the video plays.
No comments:
Post a Comment