Journey to Bangkok – a journey to discover Thailand's vibrant capital, well-known for its splendid golden temples and distinctive structure. Within the coronary heart of that bustling metropolis, Wat Suthat Thepwararam seems like a valuable gem, imbued with historical magnificence and engaging historic tales. Not solely is it a sacred Buddhist temple, Wat Suthat can also be identified for its towering big pink swing, a novel image that draws guests from everywhere in the world.
Situated within the coronary heart of Bangkok, you possibly can simply mix a go to to Wat Suthat with Wat Phra Kaew, The Grand Palace and Wat Pho. This text Journey 5 Chau will take you to discover Wat Suthat Bangkok, from its historical past, highlights to necessary notes when visiting this particular temple.
1. Historical past of the formation of Wat Suthat Bangkok
Wat Suthat Thepwararam, full identify Wat Suthatthepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan, is one in every of six first-class Royal temples in Thailand. Building started in 1807 beneath the reign of King Rama I and was accomplished beneath the reign of King Rama III within the 1840s. With an space of greater than 4 hectares surrounded by a wall system, Wat Suthat bears a powerful impression. Typical Rattanakosin structure.
Initially, the pagoda was constructed for the aim of storing and worshiping gilded Buddha statues transferred from Sukhothai to Bangkok. Underneath the reign of King Rama II, an enormous swing 21.15 meters excessive was erected, not solely as a powerful gate but additionally as a venue for necessary Brahmanical ceremonies. This swing is utilized in thanksgiving for a superb harvest and to hope for blessings for the folks.
By the point of King Rama III, the intricate patterns on the partitions and marble towers had been accomplished, contributing to the magnificent and majestic fantastic thing about Wat Suthat.
2. Highlights and points of interest of Wat Suthat Thepwararam
Wat Suthat is just not solely well-known for its big swing but additionally possesses many distinctive architectural works and cultural heritage:
2.1. Admire the 8 meter tall Buddha statue
Viharn is the primary corridor space of Wat Suthat, one of many oldest Rattanakosin buildings nonetheless in existence. This place worships the 8-meter-high bronze statue of Buddha Phra Si Sakyamuni within the posture of dominating Mara. The statue was solid in Sukhothai about 800 years in the past and dropped at Bangkok by boat on the river. The occasion was greeted with every week of jubilant festivals and parades of Buddha statues all through town. Beneath the statue is the resting place of the ashes of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII).
2.2. Murals concerning the lifetime of Buddha at Viharn
Alongside the lengthy partitions of Viharn are stunning murals telling concerning the lifetime of Buddha and scenes of every day life through the Rattanakosin period. These work, together with these within the Grand Palace, are thought-about one of many largest and most stunning wall portray collections in Thailand.
The carved picket doorways main into Viharn are additionally adorned with comparable work, a few of which had been finished by King Rama II himself, a gifted artist. Round Viharn, there are greater than 150 massive Buddha statues on show.
2.3. Different buildings and courtyards at Wat Suthat
The temple grounds additionally embrace Ubosot (ordination corridor), Sala Kan Parian (doctrine educating place) and monks' dwelling quarters. The spacious courtyard is adorned with many stone statues introduced from China within the late 18th century.
2.4. Large Swing (Sao Ching Chaa)
Probably the most well-known image of Wat Suthat is the large pink swing, known as Sao Ching Chaa. The 20-meter-high teak swing was constructed within the late 18th century and is utilized in annual Brahman rituals. Teams of younger folks will compete to swing excessive to attempt to use their enamel to seize a bag of gold cash hanging on a pole.
After some accidents, this ritual was canceled within the Thirties. At this time, Sao Ching Chaa nonetheless stands there as a historic witness and a spotlight to not be missed when coming to Wat Suthat.
3. Some notes when visiting Wat Suthat Bangkok
To make your go to to Wat Suthat full, you must word the next:
- Location: Wat Suthat is situated on Bamrung Muang Highway, within the outdated city, about 1 km east of the Grand Palace. Close by are additionally Wat Ratchanadda, Fort Mahakan and Wat Saket (Golden Mount Temple).
- The right way to get to Wat Suthat: The closest MRT station is Sam Yot, about 450 meters south of Wat Suthat. You can even journey by taxi or tuk tuk.
- Opening hours: Wat Suthat is open every day from 9am to 6pm.
- Sightseeing tickets: Entrance charge is 20 Thai baht.
Wat Suthat Thepwararam is just not solely a non secular vacation spot but additionally a cultural and historic treasure. Visiting Wat Suthat, you’ll admire the distinctive structure, uncover attention-grabbing tales and really feel the peaceable magnificence within the coronary heart of bustling Bangkok.
See extra: Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Dragon Temple): Non secular magnificence within the coronary heart of Bangkok
