Visit Bangkok- Wat Phra Kaeo the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Are you planning to visit Bangkok, Thailand? Than visit the most sacred place - Wat Phra Kaeo or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.



In Thailand temples are usually known as "Wats". About 400 Wats are there in Thailand. These Wats are revered by Thai people. Among them the Wat Phra Kaeo or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. This temple is a true reflection of the rich art, culture and architecture of Thailand.

When you will visit Bangkok the first attraction is that of Wat Phra Kaeo or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the adjacent Grand Palace together form perhaps the greatest spectacle for the visitor.

The construction of the temple started when King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785 as a part of the Grand Palace Complex. This temple consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics.

Phra Kaew is the only temple in Thailand that does not have any living quarters for the monks, and it is only contains the highly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas.Wat Phra Kaew houses the tiny (between 60 and 75 cm) Emerald Buddha (made of green jade rather than emerald). The Emerald Buddha itself is simply the jasper statue, but it is adorned with garments made of gold. There are three different sets of gold clothing, which are changed by the King of Thailand in a ceremony at the changing of the seasons-



In the hot season- A diamond encrusted gold robe
In the cool season- a solid gold robe and
In the rainy season- a gilded monk's robe

Some precaution-

1. Photography is forbidden inside the temple
2. While visiting a mosque or Wat, be particular about removing your shoes and wearing clothes that cover you well.