Bangkok, Thailand
The old city (Rattanakosin Island) has both the Wat Po Temple complex and, right next door, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. We spend our last afternoon in Bangkok wandering though these fantastic structures.
The Wat Po Temple is also Known also as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Its official name is Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan. A major feature of the temple is the figure of the reclining Buddha, which is 50 feet tall and 135 feet long.
The temple is the home of the Thai massage. There are many different Buddha forms. We see the one below frequently. I think of him as the Snakehead Buddha.
If you forget to take off your shoes in the temples, there is usually a monk to yell at you. After the first day I ditch my lace up tennis shoes and wear the slip on loafers.
Mrs. Phred in the Wat Po Temple complex. There are 80,000 square meters of buildings, Buddhas and statuary in this huge complex.
Rows of Buddhas are fairly common features of the larger and more opulent temples.
You see these structures often at temples. I think they are possibly called "stupas". According to Wiki, building a stupa is considered extremely beneficial, leaving very positive karmic imprints in the mind. Future benefits from this action will result in fortunate rebirths. Fortunate worldly benefits will be the result, such as being born into a rich family, having a beautiful body, a nice voice, and being attractive and bringing joy to others and having a long and happy life, in which one's wishes are fulfilled quickly. On the absolute level, one will also be able to reach enlightenment, the goal of Buddhism, quickly.
On the other hand, cousin Bennett called these structures (or something similar) "Chedis" and said that they were cosmic energy accumulators....or holy object reliquaries. Take your pick...
Eventually, we move on to the Grand Palace.
I think this is the King's Palace. He doesn't live here, but shows up sometimes for ceremonial occasions.
Is the "Reclining Bubbe" made of GOLD? Can't beleive they made a statute after the great "Bubbe" from FLA...... lol
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