Hindu Religion, Faith and Moksha: February 2016

THE TEMPLE OF RECLINING BUDDHA (WAT PHO) IN BANGKOK -

Wat Pho is a big temple complex near the The Grand Palace. This is a spiritual & cultural centre and one of Bangkok's must see attractions. The entrance fee for foreigner's is 100 bhat and you can visit the temple at any time between 08 A.M to 05 P.M.This is the largest and oldest temple complex in Bangkok The temple of Reclining Buddha is located in the north western corner of the Wat Pho. The temple complex shelters so many images of Lord Buddha but the highlight is the great, magnificent and impressive image of the Reclining Buddha. The idol is 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height decorated with mother-of pearl inlays on his eyes and soles of his feet.This image of Lord Buddha represents his entry into Nirvana. In the corridor,you may also drop coins in the 108 bowls which represents the 108 auspicious characters of Lord Buddha. This is a revered place so you will need to take your shoes off before entering the main temple.It is believed that the worshipping of the Reclining Buddha brings peace and happiness.Visitors are also expected to wear appropriate clothing during the visit of this temple.

It is also believed that Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai message and houses a traditional medicine and massage school,This is a good place to learn and experience the Thai massage and traditional medicine.

Besides the image of Reclining Buddha,there are several other significant images of Lord Buddha with in the different assembly halls located in this temple complex. Phra Buddha Lokanat is an image of presiding Buddha in standing position, Phra Buddha Chinnasri is a marvelous image of seated Buddha protected by seven headed serpent. Phra Buddha Palilai is an other image of presiding Buddha. The idol of Phra Buddha Maravichai depicts his attaining the enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Bodhi tree, still located in Bodh-Gaya, is an auspicious place in the Bihar province of India. Phra Buddha Chinnaraj shows an image in which the Lord Buddha is giving his first sermon. Phra Buddha Theva Patimakorn is an other magnificent image of Lord Buddha located in Phra Ubosot, the ordinance hall which is also regarded as a sacred place. All these images are worth seeing.
Some of the photographs of Wat Pho are as follows-