Visit the Reclining Buddha at Wat Maha Phruettharam Worawihan

🙏 Wat Maha Phruettharam Worawihan, a third-class royal temple, is an ancient temple built since the Ayutthaya period. 🐄 During the Thonburi and early Rattanakosin periods, this temple was known as Wat Tha Kaeo because it used to be a resting place for caravans traveling to trade in Bangkok. Later, it was called Wat Takhian, presumably named after the dense Takhian trees around the temple. 🏰 In the reign of King Rama IV, the temple was re-established as a royal temple and was renamed Wat Maha Phruettharam. The interesting features within the temple include: 🏰 The Ubosot, built as a hall throughout, with the gable featuring the symbol of a crown placed on a two-tiered tray in a pavilion, which is set on a three-headed elephant, representing Prince Mongkut (King Rama IV), the ruler of Siam. 🐂 The doors and windows of the Ubosot are decorated with images of oxen pulling carts, representing the temple's original name, Wat Tha Kaeo. The elephant images represent the abbot, Phra Athikan Kaeo. 🏡 The mural paintings are unique in that they depict the "Thudongkawat 13" and the journey to propagate Buddhism in Lanka, instead of the usual Jataka tales or Buddha's biography. 🖼 Western art techniques are used, such as 3D painting to create realistic landscapes with depth, and incorporating Western architectural styles in the decorative paintings of the buildings. 🛕 The four prangs were built to dedicate to the four Buddhas who have passed away, arranged in descending size. 🙏 The Reclining Buddha, a stucco Buddha image covered in gold leaf, is an art piece from the Rattanakosin period. It has been present since the temple was known as Wat Tha Kaeo. King Rama IV renovated the Buddha image to make it larger. 🙏 The body of "Luang Pu Nop Phuwathi," a former revered monk known for his knowledge and kindness, was preserved for 29 years after his death at the age of 73 in 1960. When the temple opened his coffin, his body had dried like wood but remained intact, so it was placed in a glass coffin for disciples to pay their respects. 🌳 The Bodhi tree, brought from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, during the reign of King Rama IV, is commonly referred to by Thais as the Lanka Bodhi tree. 💥 Wat Maha Phruettharam Worawihan: Maha Phruettharam Road, Maha Phruettharam Subdistrict, Bang Rak District, Bangkok. 🌐 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DCrD8pPHqLzFT2Bv5 🕗 Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00.