Located in Bangkok, Thailand, the reclining Phra Buddhasaiyas, is one of the great large Buddhas fount in Southeast Asia. It is located at the Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklaram Rajwaramahaviharn monastery. This site is a reconstruction of an ancient temple, and was restored in 1688 and 1703. It has beed added to over time, and is now the largest WAT in Thailand, featuring stunning architecture and the gilded Buddha statue.
The Wat Pho Buddha is crafted from wood and covered with gold plating. The eyes and feet feature mother or pearl. The Reclining Buddha is over 151 feet long and 49 feet tall, making it Thailand’s largest Buddha, and one of the most visited Buddha’s in the world. The room which holds the Buddha is barely large enough for the statue and the tourists that file through.
The Reclining Buddha Statue features an amused expression, relaxed, as he ascends into Nirvana. The devout King Rama III of Saim commissioned the statue in 1832, as a reminder for the people that Nirvana is attainable. You can bring a Buddha into your setting without wide variety of Buddha fountains and statuary.
Carved into the mother of pearl on the bottom of the Buddha’s feet are 108 auspicious characters of the true Buddha. These symbolic characters were carved in both Indian and Chinese styles around Mandellas. The feet are stylized, meaning all five toes are the same length.
The Bot, or the temple hall, sits on the north side of the 200 acre monastery, and is surrounded by 400 bronze Buddha’s. There is also, in the same location, a centuries old school of medicine and massage, believe to be the origin of Thai style massage. The grounds are also home to many memorials as well as the first University of Thailand.
This site is open to visitor’s every day, but it is recommended that you arrive at the vihara where the statue is, as early as possible. The statue is tended by monk in saffron robes that live in the southern end of the monastery. It is recommended that tourists buy little coins for the poor, and you must remove your shoes before you enter. The Wat Pho Buddha commands the reverence and respect of all visitors.
