Wat Phra Kaew

#38 - Bangkok, Thailand

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#39

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You can't help but feel at peace in the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.

It's also known as "Temple of the Emerald Buddha." Adjoining the Grand Palace, the temple is the greatest spectacle of Bangkok. There are over 100 brightly-colored buildings, all unique unto themselves. With golden spirals and intricate mosaics, our #38 destination is a glistening oasis of religion, history and art in the middle of Thailand. Built in 1782 during Rama I's reign, the Emerald Buddha, which gives it its name, is traced to India, centuries after Lord Buddha attained Nirvana and then had it enshrined in Bangkok.

Slide 1: Looking over the Temple

#1 Wat Phra Kaew Photo - Brad Harbach
Slide 2: The Royal Guards

#2 Wat Phra Kaew Photo - Brad Harbach
Slide 3: Army Protecting the Emerald Buddha

#3 Wat Phra Kaew Photo - Brad Harbach
Slide 1: Wat Phra Kaew Emerald Buddha Hall gold h

by Michael Sarver
Slide 2: Wat Phra Kaew Grand Palace

by hasmonek

Overview

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Quick Facts & History

Wat Phra Kaew is a Buddhist temple in Thailand that was built to house the famous Emerald Buddha, a figure of much controversy and rumor. The Emerald Buddha is kept in the Chapel of the Emerald Buddha within the temple.
The Emerald Buddha is actually made of green jade, not emerald! It is clothed in gold and only about 45 cm. tall, a rather small figure to have an entire temple built just to house it! However small, the Emerald Buddha is revered as the most important representation of the Buddha in all of Thai Buddhism.
There is a lot of controversy over the true ownership rights over the Emerald Buddha; it was returned to Thailand after Thailands capture of Vientiane in 1778.
It is considered blasphemy to point your feet towards the Emerald Buddha! Doing so could get you ejected!
There are several other monuments, including a model of Angkor Wat (Absolute Visit #7!), a sacred Cambodian shrine. This model was built as a reminder that the neighboring state of Cambodia was under the jurisdiction of Thailand.
Another popular site at Wat Phra Kaew are the elephant statues scattered throughout the complex, representing influence and power. It is common for parents to walk their children around the perimeter of an elephant three times for good luck.