Hello everyone

Thailand is a land of many wonders, from its beautiful beaches to its picturesque landscapes, but perhaps one of the most captivating sights in the country is its temples. There are a large number of these temples distributed in all provinces of Thailand, each with its own unique charm and allure.

One of the most impressive cities in Thailand is Bangkok, the bustling capital city that is surrounded by many temples. Today, I am excited to take you all on a journey to see one of the most magnificent temples in the city: Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram.

The Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram temple is a unique and interesting blend of different architectural styles. The temple features a mix of traditional Thai art from the Rattanakosin period, ancient Khmer art, and Western art.

This temple was actually ordered to be built by the King himself and is known as the royal temple of King Rama 5 and King Rama 7. The temple is located in an area that was once the palace of the King, Krom Luang Bodin Phaisan Sophon Teekachon Chetprayoon, and the dowager Khlay. It is said that the King had the temple built in honor of his beloved daughter, Princess Vibhavadi Rangsit.

As I approach the temple, I notice that there are several gates to choose from, each one leading to a different section of the temple grounds. I decide to enter through the gate in front of me, drawn to the well-maintained garden filled with lush greenery that surrounds it. I stumble upon a hidden gem: the royal cemetery. Located just outside the Mahasima Dhammachak wall of the temple on the west side. It is a peaceful and serene space that is beautifully maintained, with a variety of architectural styles that reflect Thailand's rich cultural heritage.

The royal cemetery was graciously built by His Majesty King Chulalongkorn as a place to contain the relics and bodies of the royal family. The cemetery contains various architectural styles, including pagodas, Phra Prangs, and Wihans in Thai style, Khmer styles.

As I explore the cemetery, I am struck by the beauty of the various architectural styles. Each structure is unique and reflects a different aspect of Thailand's rich cultural heritage. The pagodas are tall and elegant, with intricate designs etched into their walls. The Phra Prangs are striking, with their pointed spires reaching towards the sky.

As I walk through the door of the temple, I am immediately struck by the sight of a majestic statue of King Rama V in the front area. The statue is an impressive tribute to the beloved monarch, and it is clear that it holds great significance for those who visit the temple.

As I approach the statue, I notice that there are people worshiping and offering their respects. They are holding Phan bushes, roses, and garlands, which they use to make offerings to the statue. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of the flowers, and there is a sense of reverence and respect in the atmosphere.

As I make my way towards the Ubosot, the main ordination hall of the temple, I am struck by the beauty of its outer architecture. The Ubosot is a stunning example of Thai-style architecture, with its distinctive sloping roofs and intricate details.

The front roof of the Ubosot features a porch covered with colored glazed tiles, which adds a vibrant pop of color to the otherwise neutral tones of the temple. The tiles are attached to Chor Fah, Bai Raka, and Hang Hong, which are decorative elements that are commonly used in Thai architecture.

The Phra Maha Chedi is the centerpiece of the temple, located in the middle and surrounded by a round balcony. It is an impressive structure that stands tall and commands attention. The Chedi is an important part of Thai Buddhist architecture, representing the Buddha's enlightenment and spiritual attainment.

To the front of the Phra Maha Chedi is the Ubosot, which is the main ordination hall of the temple. The Ubosot is a sacred space where important Buddhist ceremonies and rituals take place, such as the ordination of monks. It is a solemn and serene space, with simple yet elegant decor that emphasizes the importance of the Buddhist teachings.

To the back of the Phra Maha Chedi is the Wihan, which is a shrine hall that houses important Buddhist artifacts and images. The Wihan is a larger space than the Ubosot, with high ceilings and more elaborate decor. It is a space where people come to pray, meditate, and pay respects to the Buddha and other revered figures in Buddhist history.

The combination of the Phra Maha Chedi, Ubosot, and Wihan creates a powerful and harmonious atmosphere in the temple. The reverence and solemnity of the Ubosot is complemented by the grandeur and majesty of the Chedi, while the Wihan offers a space for reflection and contemplation. Together, these elements create a space that is both beautiful and spiritually meaningful.

The bell-shaped chedi mentioned above is an important feature of the Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram temple. The chedi is decorated with colorful glazed tiles, giving it a striking and eye-catching appearance. It stands above a booth, which is decorated with arches that add to the visual appeal of the structure.

Inside the chedi, there is an important Buddhist relic that is enshrined, namely the Naga Buddha image in Khmer art. This relic is highly revered by the Thai people and is a source of spiritual inspiration for those who come to visit the temple. The Naga Buddha image is said to have been created during the Khmer Empire, which once ruled over parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand.

Apart from the Naga Buddha image, there are six other Buddha images enshrined inside the chedi. These images are also important symbols of Buddhist teachings and serve as a reminder of the importance of spiritual practice in daily life.

The combination of the chedi and the Buddha images inside creates a powerful and meaningful spiritual presence in the temple. Visitors are often awed by the beauty of the structure and the profound sense of serenity that pervades the area.

As I walked through the temple, I noticed newlyweds taking photos of their weddings. It was clear that this temple was a popular location for such occasions. I learned that couples could ask for permission from the temple to hold their wedding ceremonies here, which made sense given the exquisite beauty of the temple.

The inside of the sanctuary was decorated in pink tones, which was quite different from the traditional Thai temples. The pink-toned decorations were similar to those found in Western churches, which gave the space a unique and charming character. The decorations inside the temple were intricate and beautifully crafted, with floral patterns and other delicate designs adorning the walls and ceilings.

The temple was a perfect location for newlyweds to take photos of their weddings, as the beauty and elegance of the space provided a stunning backdrop for the occasion. The temple's unique combination of Thai and Western architectural styles made it stand.

Indeed, Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram is a must-visit temple in the Phra Nakhon area of Bangkok, Thailand. The temple's architecture is a fusion of Thai, Khmer, and Western art, making it a unique and beautiful sight to behold. The elaborate gateposts and walls are decorated with intricate patterns and designs, showcasing the superb craftsmanship of Thai artisans.

Aside from its architectural beauty, the temple also holds historical and cultural significance as it was built during the reign of King Rama V and King Rama VII. The temple served as a royal temple and was originally part of the palace complex of Krom Luang Bodin Phaisan Sophon Teekachon Chetprayoon and the dowager Khlay.

Visitors to the temple can explore the various buildings and structures within the complex, including the Ubosot, Wihan, Phra Maha Chedi, and the royal cemetery located outside the Mahasima Dhammachak wall. The temple also offers a serene and peaceful environment for meditation and reflection, away from the bustling streets of Bangkok.

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