130-661: Wat Phra Kaew ( Thai : วัดพระแก้ว , RTGS : Wat Phra Kaeo , pronounced [wát.pʰráʔ.kɛ̂ːw] ), commonly known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and officially as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram , is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand . The complex consists of a number of buildings within the precincts of the Grand Palace in
260-612: A dominant language in all aspects of society in Thailand, Thai initially saw gradual and later widespread adoption as a second language among the country's minority ethnic groups from the mid-late Ayutthaya period onward. Ethnic minorities today are predominantly bilingual, speaking Thai alongside their native language or dialect. Standard Thai is classified as one of the Chiang Saen languages—others being Northern Thai , Southern Thai and numerous smaller languages, which together with
390-409: A pyramidal base, topped with a tall spire. The highly ornamented pedestal was made in the reign of Rama I of carved wood and then gilded in gold leaf. Later, the pedestal was heightened by Rama III when he added the funeral bier of Rama II underneath the pedestal as a base. Numerous Buddha images are enshrined around the pedestal, as well as an accumulation of treasures donated by the various kings in
520-672: A crown-shaped spire. Outside the gate, there is a small resting pavilion and an elephant mounting platform. Gate No. 2, the Na Wua Gate, stands opposite the entrance of the Ubosot. On the south side is Gate No. 3, the Si Rattana Satsada Gate; this gate connects the temple to the Middle court of the Grand Palace, and visitors exit the temple from this gate. On the west side there are three gates,
650-481: A cruciform plan and is topped in the middle of the roof with a tall spire in the form of a crown. The spire is decorated with coloured porcelain in floral designs. The top of the window arches display the royal cypher of Rama V under a crown; this indicates that vihara was restored by the King. Bronze figures of Tantima birds—birds with a human torso and Garuda head—guard the entrances on the west and east sides. The doors of
780-533: A four-way distinction among stops and affricates . The maximal four-way occurred in labials ( /p pʰ b ʔb/ ) and denti-alveolars ( /t tʰ d ʔd/ ); the three-way distinction among velars ( /k kʰ ɡ/ ) and palatals ( /tɕ tɕʰ dʑ/ ), with the glottalized member of each set apparently missing. The major change between old and modern Thai was due to voicing distinction losses and the concomitant tone split . This may have happened between about 1300 and 1600 CE, possibly occurring at different times in different parts of
910-472: A sacred boundary within which the ordination of monks could be carried out. Construction of the Ubosot began during the reign of Rama I in 1783; as such, the building is one of the oldest structures within the temple. The Ubosot was built to house the Buddha image known as the Emerald Buddha, which the King had captured from Vientiane , Laos , in 1779. Previously, the image was housed in the Emerald Buddha hall in
1040-549: A sandstone column topped by a bronze lotus flower, and is flanked by two stone mythical birds called Nok Wayupak . Around this group there are two lead oxen facing the gate. These were formerly part of the king's pavilion where he would watch the Royal Ploughing Ceremony , an important agricultural rite performed annually in front of the reigning king. The ox statues were moved into the temple by Rama V. Around this area, incense sticks can be lit and flower offerings made by
1170-407: A short staircase. The central door, slightly larger than the others, is used only by the king. The doors are decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay depicting mythical beasts and foliage designs. The walls of the Ubosot are extremely thick, and inside the inner door frame guardian deities are depicted in gold carrying either spears or swords. On the outside, flanking the steps leading to the doors of
1300-413: A similar crown, Mangkonkan is green with a Naga crown, Wirunhok is dark blue with a similar crown, Thotsakhirithon is dark red with an elephant's trunk instead of a nose and a bamboo shoot crown, Thotsakhiriwan is green with a similar nose and crown, Chakkrawat is white with a smaller head on the top of his crown of feathers, Atsakanmala is purple with a similar extra head but a normal crown, Thotsakan
1430-425: A small golden stupa. The stupa was obtained by Rama IV when he was still a monk and contained important Buddhist relics. Miniature stone sculptures of Chinese guardian lions surround the walls of both shrines. The Bell Tower , or Ho Rakhang ( หอระฆัง ), is located to the south of the complex. The first tower was built by Rama I to house a single bell. Rama IV ordered it to be completely rebuilt. This reconstruction
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#17330856972761560-539: A specially-built temple (now Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao ) for the next 32 years. In 1468, it was moved to Chiang Mai by King Tilokaraj , where it was kept in a niche in a large stupa called Chedi Luang . The Emerald Buddha remained in Chiang Mai until 1552, when it was taken to Luang Prabang , then the capital of the Lao kingdom of Lan Xang. Some years earlier, the crown prince of Lan Xang, Setthathirath , had been invited to occupy
1690-525: A syllable that formerly began with a voiceless consonant (including glottalized stops). An additional complication is that formerly voiceless unaspirated stops/affricates (original /p t k tɕ ʔb ʔd/ ) also caused original tone 1 to lower, but had no such effect on original tones 2 or 3. The above consonant mergers and tone splits account for the complex relationship between spelling and sound in modern Thai. Modern "low"-class consonants were voiced in Old Thai, and
1820-624: A variety of Thai architectural styles, while still adhering to the traditional principles of Thai religious architecture . When King Rama I made Bangkok the capital city of the Rattanakosin Kingdom on 6 April 1782, a suitable royal palace and temple was needed to legitimize the new Chakri dynasty . The King's reason for moving the capital city was a desire to distance himself from the previous regime of King Taksin , whom he had replaced as king of Siam . The old royal palace in Thonburi
1950-466: Is a lotus design base in coloured glass. The next level above is decorated with the Garuda. One hundred and twelve Garudas, each grasping within its claws two Naga serpents, surround all four sides of the Ubosot. They are gilded in gold leaf and inlaid with glass mosaic. There are six doors, three on each end of the building, each door topped with crown-like, spire-shaped ornamentation and accessible only through
2080-472: Is a royal mausoleum on the northwestern side of the temple. It was previously a Buddha image hall and was built by Rama I to house the sacred Phra Nak Buddha image from Ayutthaya, which was made of gold and copper. Even though the image was eventually moved to the Wihan Yot, the name remained. The hall is rectangular, with an entrance hall on the east side. The roof is covered in green and orange tiles. Inside,
2210-436: Is a scripture hall on the north-eastern side of the temple. Its construction was paid for by the viceroy Maha Sura Singhanat , brother of Rama I. The hall is rectangular, surrounded on all sides with columns supporting a four-level roof. The entrance door is on the west side. The roof is covered in yellow and orange tiles. The pediment of the hall depicts the god Indra astride Airavata , the three-headed elephant. The inside of
2340-472: Is associated with the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. The image was originally cast in bronze by Rama I. Later, Rama IV had it gilded in gold and a large diamond embedded in its forehead. The Ho Phra Khanthararat is decorated on the exterior with green, blue and yellow tiles. The entrance is from the north with a door portico extending out from the front of the hall. Behind the portico, the rectangular hall
2470-500: Is based on the register of the educated classes by Central Thai and ethnic minorities in the area along the ring surrounding the Metropolis . In addition to Central Thai, Thailand is home to other related Tai languages . Although most linguists classify these dialects as related but distinct languages, native speakers often identify them as regional variants or dialects of the "same" Thai language, or as "different kinds of Thai". As
2600-553: Is based on the dialect of the central Thai people, and it is written in the Thai script . Hlai languages Kam-Sui languages Kra languages Be language Northern Tai languages Central Tai languages Khamti language Tai Lue language Shan language others Northern Thai language Thai language Southern Thai language Tai Yo language Phuthai language Lao language (PDR Lao, Isan language ) Thai has undergone various historical sound changes. Some of
2730-408: Is covered in green and orange tiles. The four pediments of the pantheon depict the personal insignia of the first four Chakri kings. This is a break with the traditional depiction of Narayana, which was previously seen on royal temples. The north pediment depicts the personal insignia of Rama I (a Thai numeral one), the southern of Rama II (a Garuda), the west of Rama III (a triple-doored vimana ) and
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#17330856972762860-484: Is crowned with an exact miniature of the stupa and is decorated on three sides with a pediment. The interior of the stupa is a round hall, from the ceiling of which a chatra (multi-tiered royal umbrella) is suspended. In the middle of the hall is a smaller stupa of black lacquer; this is the reliquary in which the relics of the Buddha are kept. Two golden stupas, titled Phra Suwannachedi ( พระสุวรรณเจดีย์ ), are situated to
2990-405: Is decorated in nine levels of layered lotus bud motifs. The structures are covered in copper sheets painted over with lacquer and gilded in gold leaf. The two chedi were moved when the terrace was expanded to accommodate the royal pantheon. Around the base of the chedi , Rama V had figures of monkeys and yaksha ("giants") supporting the chedi . Each has four monkeys and sixteen giants around
3120-568: Is dedicated to the Chakravarti (the universal ruler). The Phra Photisat Krisda Mahachedi in red is dedicated to the Bodhisattvas (the Buddha is his past lives). The Phra Sri Ayametaya Mahachedi in yellow is dedicated to the Maitreya (the future Buddha). The gallery or Phra Rabiang ( พระระเบียง ) is a covered corridor, walled on one side, that surrounds the entire temple like a cloister . Murals on
3250-681: Is dedicated to the Dharma (Buddhist scriptures). The Phra Ariyasong Sawok Mahachedi in pink is dedicated to the Bhikkhus (male Buddhist monastics). The Phra Ariya Sawok Phiksunee Sangha Mahachedi in green is dedicated to the Bhikkhunīs (female Buddhist monastics). The Phra Patchek Phothisamphuttha Mahachedi in purple is dedicated to the Pratyekabuddha (those who have attained Enlightenment but did not preach). The Phra Borom Chakrawadiraja Mahachedi in pale blue
3380-632: Is green with two tiers of smaller heads on top of his crown, Sahatsadecha is white with multiple heads, Maiyarap is light purple with a cockerel's tail crown and Wirunchambang is dark blue with a similar crown. Citations Thai language Thai , or Central Thai (historically Siamese ; Thai: ภาษาไทย ), is a Tai language of the Kra–Dai language family spoken by the Central Thai , Mon , Lao Wiang , Phuan people in Central Thailand and
3510-574: Is in Lankadvipa ( Sri Lanka ), Ramalakka, Dvaravati , Chieng Mai and Lan Chang ( Laos ). According to Cambodian Royal Chronicles as compiled by Ros Chantrabot , the legends state that after remaining in Pataliputra for three hundred years, The Emerald Buddha was taken to Sri Lanka to save it from a civil war. The emerald Buddha then arrived in Cambodia, giving its name place known as Russey Keo . When
3640-474: Is made up of several tiers, with large round bases leading up to a bell-shaped middle, interrupted by a square section that is then topped with twenty concentric circular discs of decreasing size topped by a tall spire. The design was based on the stupas of Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya, which in turn took inspiration from the stupas of Sri Lanka. The stupa has four entrances with protruding porticoes. Each portico
3770-564: Is situated in the middle of the Than Phaithi. The Phra Mondop is a repository of sacred texts, sometimes referred to as a library ( ho trai ). The present structure was built by Rama I to replace an earlier structure that burnt down. This previous structure was built in the middle of a pool on raised columns to protect the texts from termites; such buildings were a common feature in Thai temples. The new Phra Mondop discarded this feature, instead putting
3900-571: Is the Ramakien story. The concept of righteous kingship within the epic has long been recognised within Southeast Asia and has been appropriated by many kings to equate their countries with the legendary city of Ayodhya and the titular hero Rama . The murals were erased and completely repainted by the orders of Rama III. Ever since then they have been frequently restored. The murals along the walls are divided into 178 scenes with abbreviated synopses of
4030-508: Is the Phra Photithat Phiman, a butsabok throne with a crown-shaped spire. Inside is a smaller stupa of gold containing a relic of the Buddha obtained by Rama IV from the north of Thailand. Surrounding the Ubosot, all along its four sides are twelve open sala rai ( ศาลาราย ), or pavilions, with grey marble bases. These sala were built during the reign of Rama I for the faithful to listen to chants or sermons emanating from within
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4160-479: Is the language of television, education, news reporting, and all forms of media. A recent research found that the speakers of the Northern Thai language (also known as Phasa Mueang or Kham Mueang) have become so few, as most people in northern Thailand now invariably speak Standard Thai, so that they are now using mostly Central Thai words and only seasoning their speech with the "Kham Mueang" accent. Standard Thai
4290-421: Is the temple's main Buddha image as well as its namesake. The sacred image is of the meditating Gautama Buddha seated in the lotus position , made of a semi-precious green stone (usually described as jade ), clothed in gold, and about 66 centimetres (26 in) tall. The multi-tiered pedestal ( ฐานชุกชี : than chukkachee ) of the Emerald Buddha is in the shape of a butsabok throne, an open pavilion on
4420-463: Is topped with a prang spire, and the four pediments below it are decorated with floral designs. The carved doors and windows of the shrine depict sheaves of rice, fish and shrimp to represent the fecundity of the nation. The Phra Mondop Yot Prang sits on a taller platform behind the Ho Phra Khanthararat. The octagonal base is topped with a mondop pavilion and spire. Inside the pavilion is
4550-520: The Asurawayuphak , giant upper body, bird lower body and holding a mace. The southern porch was the former entrance gate to the Phra Mondop; it was probably moved to its present position when the terrace was expanded. The pediment displays the insignia of Rama III, a triple-doored vimana. The doors are made of carved wood depicting two warriors holding a spear and gilded in gold leaf. The western porch
4680-503: The Grand Palace in Bangkok . The legend of the Emerald Buddha is related in number of sources such as Jinakalamali , Amarakatabuddharupanidana , and in particular Ratanabimbavamsa or The Chronicle of the Emerald Buddha written in Pali by Brahmarājaprajña in the 15th century (but the oldest extant manuscript dates only to 1788). The story is a mix of fact and fables with some variations to
4810-510: The Grand Palace , is open to visitors, and they are among the country's best known tourist attractions. The Phra Ubosot ( พระอุโบสถ ), or ordination hall , occupies almost the entire southern part of the temple complex. The Ubosot is surrounded by a low wall; this separation emphasises the building's sacred nature. The wall contains eight small pavilions with tall spires, each housing a double bai sema stone covered in gold leaf. In Thai religious architecture , such stones traditionally denote
4940-627: The Khmer temples to Bangkok. However this proved unfeasible, so he ordered that a detailed scale model of Angkor Wat be made instead. The ancient Khmer temple complex had recently been rediscovered in Cambodia—then under Siamese suzerainty—in 1860. This highly detailed model was installed to the north of the Phra Mondop. Seven pairs of mythological figures decorate the terrace, made of bronze and gilded with gold leaf. These are half-animal half-human celestial beings which, according to tradition, inhabited
5070-554: The King of Thailand , or a senior member of the royal family in his stead, in a ceremony at the changing of the seasons – in the 1st Waning of lunar months 4, 8 and 12 (around March, August and November). For the three seasons, there are three sets of decorations for the Emerald Buddha: The sets of gold clothing not in use at any given time are kept on display in the nearby Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations, and Thai Coins on
5200-547: The Meditation attitude of the statue was not popular in Thailand but looks very much like some of the Buddha images of southern India and Sri Lanka, which led some to suggest an origin in India or Sri Lanka. The Emerald Buddha is adorned with three sets of gold seasonal decorations: two were made by Rama I, one for the summer and one for the rainy season, and a third made by Rama III for the winter or cool season. In 1996 to celebrate
5330-399: The Buddha is typical of the images cast by kings and royalty during the Ayutthaya and early Bangkok periods. The image is over 3 metres (9.8 ft) tall and was cast in bronze and gilded in gold on the orders of Rama III in 1841 to commemorate the reign of his grandfather Rama I. The second image stands to the front and left of the Emerald Buddha (to the pedestal's south). It is identical to
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5460-491: The Buddha within the crowns of each image. Surrounding the central pedestal of the Emerald Buddha are ten other Buddha images that commemorate the life of a member of the early Chakri dynasty. All of these were cast by successive kings for a deceased ancestor or relative. These images are also in the "calming of the waters" attitude. They are distinguished by the robes; those that have their robes splayed outwards represent male royalty, while those with robes that hug tightly around
5590-510: The Emerald Buddha as belonging to the Chiang Saen Style of the 15th century CE, which would mean that it is of Lan Na origin. The legend reports that King Sam Fang Kaen of Lan Na wanted it in his capital of Chiang Mai , but the elephant carrying it insisted on three separate occasions on going instead to Lampang . This was taken as a divine sign, and the Emerald Buddha stayed in Lampang in
5720-464: The Emerald Buddha sits, and numerous other Buddha images surrounding it. On the eastern wall, the story of the Buddha and the demon Mara is depicted. This recounts the story of the Buddha when, prior to achieving enlightenment, Mara and his army tried to stop him. Instead, the Buddha, sitting in the Maravijaya attitude , asked the earth goddess Phra Mae Thorani to defend him. She is depicted right above
5850-704: The Golden Jubilee of King Bhumibol Adulyadej , the Bureau of the Royal Household commissioned a replica set of the seasonal decorations to be made in all the same materials. This new set was funded entirely by donations. The original set, which were made over 200 years ago, were retired and are on display at the Museum of the Emerald Buddha Temple in the Middle court of the Grand Palace. The decorations are changed by
5980-469: The Great Emerald Buddha ' ) is an image of the meditating Gautama Buddha seated in a meditative posture , made of a semi-precious green stone ( jasper rather than emerald or jade ), clothed in gold . and about 66 centimetres (26 in) tall. The image is considered the sacred palladium of Thailand . It is housed in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha ( Wat Phra Kaew ) on the grounds of
6110-648: The Heavenly Abode Wherein Dwell the Reincarnated Gods, a City Given by Indra and Built by Vishvakarman ". The temple has undergone many different periods of major renovations, beginning with the reigns of Rama III and Rama IV . Rama III started the rebuilding in 1831 for the 50th anniversary of Bangkok in 1832, while Rama IV's restoration was completed by Rama V in time for the Bangkok centennial celebrations in 1882. Further restoration took place under
6240-500: The Khmer system first before the Thai borrowed. Old Thai had a three-way tone distinction on "live syllables" (those not ending in a stop), with no possible distinction on "dead syllables" (those ending in a stop, i.e. either /p/, /t/, /k/ or the glottal stop that automatically closes syllables otherwise ending in a short vowel). There was a two-way voiced vs. voiceless distinction among all fricative and sonorant consonants, and up to
6370-454: The King", which role is also enjoined on the king who formally dresses the Emerald Buddha himself. The costume change ritual is performed by the king who is the most elevated master of ceremonies for all Buddhist rites. During the ceremony, the king first climbs up to the pedestal, cleans the image by wiping away any dust with a wet cloth, and changes the gold headress of the Emerald Buddha. The king then worships nearby while an attendant performs
6500-609: The Northwestern Tai and Lao-Phutai languages, form the Southwestern branch of Tai languages . The Tai languages are a branch of the Kra–Dai language family , which encompasses a large number of indigenous languages spoken in an arc from Hainan and Guangxi south through Laos and Northern Vietnam to the Cambodian border. Standard Thai is the principal language of education and government and spoken throughout Thailand. The standard
6630-464: The Phra Mondop was restored in time for the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Bangkok in 1832. The Phra Mondop is roughly square in outline and has a mondop style roof: a square-based tapering spire. When Rama IV decided to build the two structures on either side of the Phra Mondop, he decided to lower the height of the spire significantly. The Phra Mondop is richly decorated on the exterior walls—twenty square columns with indented corners surround
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#17330856972766760-421: The Phra Mondop; in 1855, Rama IV ordered the expansion of the base, upon which the two other structures were later built. The arrangement of these structures in a straight line echoes the classical arrangement of temples in both Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. The Prasat Phra Thep Bidon ( ปราสาทพระเทพบิดร ) is on the eastern end of the Than Phaithi. Originally built to house the Emerald Buddha by Rama IV, construction on
6890-466: The Phra Si Rattana Chedi, two on either side of the western porch. The chedi have a square plan with indented corners. The bases are white, and the top part is decorated in gold leaf and coloured glass. Like the two golden chedi , these were moved to their present position to make way for the expansion of the terrace. The model of Angkor Wat was borne out of an idea of Rama IV of moving one of
7020-484: The Thai-speaking area. All voiced–voiceless pairs of consonants lost the voicing distinction: However, in the process of these mergers, the former distinction of voice was transferred into a new set of tonal distinctions. In essence, every tone in Old Thai split into two new tones, with a lower-pitched tone corresponding to a syllable that formerly began with a voiced consonant, and a higher-pitched tone corresponding to
7150-534: The Thais attacked Angkor Wat in 1432 (following the ravage of the bubonic plague), the Emerald Buddha was taken to Ayutthaya , Kamphaeng Phet , Laos and finally Chiang Rai , where the ruler of the city hid it until it was found in 1434. A version of the legend stated that in 457, King Anuruth(Anawrahta) of Burma sent a mission to Ceylon to ask for Buddhist scriptures and the Emerald Buddha, in order to support Buddhism in his country. These requests were granted, but
7280-520: The Tripitaka. Four smaller cabinets are placed at the four corners of the room. The Phra Si Rattana Chedi ( พระศรีรัตนเจดีย์ ) is on the western end of the Than Phaithi and houses relics of the Buddha from Sri Lanka , which were given to Rama IV. Constructed in 1855, the circular bell-shaped stupa (or chedi ) is built of brick masonry. The stupa was later entirely covered in gold-coloured tiles specially imported from Italy by Rama V. The bell-shaped stupa
7410-426: The Ubosot, stand twelve bronze lions. Some of these are copies which were probably cast by Rama III. They were based on a pair of original lions taken from Cambodia by Rama I. The entire interior of the Ubosot is covered in painted murals depicting stories about the Buddha. The wooden ceiling is painted red with star designs made in glass mosaic. On the western end of the Ubosot is the multi-tiered pedestal on which
7540-485: The Ubosot. All twelve pavilions are of the same design and size, with six square columns supporting a roof of blue and orange glazed tiles. The pavilions have been reconstructed and restored several times by different kings throughout the years. Opposite the front of the Ubosot is a stone image of Chao Mae Kuan Im (or Guanyin ), a Bodhisattva known as Avalokiteśvara in the Mahayana branch of Buddhism. She sits in front of
7670-626: The Wat Arun complex on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. The Emerald Buddha was ceremonially installed at its present position in the temple in February/March 1785. In 1831, Rama III ordered a major renovation of the exterior of the Ubosot. The Ubosot is rectangular and single-storeyed, with the main entrance on the eastern end. The hall is surrounded by columns supporting a massive roof. On
7800-561: The beautiful jewel of the monastery of the divine teacher". The temple's main hall was the first building within the entire palace compound that was completed in masonry, while the king's residence was still made of wood. The temple complex was built in the northeastern corner of the Outer Court of the Grand Palace. In February/March 1785, the Emerald Buddha was transported with great ceremony from its former home at Wat Arun in Thonburi across
7930-484: The body represent female royalty. The images are set on three levels, with one at each of the four corners of the pedestal on the top level, four similarly at the corners of the middle level, and only two towards the front of the pedestal on the bottom level. Situated on the base in the front of the pedestal is the Phra Samphuttha Phanni ( พระสัมพุทธพรรณี ). This Buddha image was made by Rama IV in 1830 while he
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#17330856972768060-428: The capitals depict lotus petals covered in coloured glass mosaic. The exterior walls of the Ubosot are covered in traditional Thai decorations made of gold leaf and coloured glass. Built on a high base of several layers, the hall is raised high above the ground and must be entered through a stairway. The lowest of the base layers is decorated with painted tiles of floral designs with a pale blue background. The next level
8190-449: The central door, wringing out water from her hair, creating a great flood that drowned Mara and his army. On the western wall behind the Emerald Buddha, the Traiphum or Buddhist cosmology is depicted. On the northern and southern walls the murals are divided into horizontal sections. Stories concerning the life of the Buddha are depicted on the top sections above the windows. Between each of
8320-403: The central hall. The columns are decorated with white, green and red glass. The exterior walls are adorned with the thepphanom motif, or devas in prayer, covered with gold leaf and surrounded with green glass. Numerous small, gilded wind-bells with Bodhi leaf sails are hung from the eaves on all sides. Crowns adorn the top of the four doors on the sides of the Phra Mondop. On the four corners of
8450-426: The changing of the seasons, followed are in the first waning moon of the lunar calendar , months 4, 8 and 12 (around March, July, and November). Rama I initiated this ritual for the hot season and the rainy season; Rama III introduced the ritual for the winter season. The decoration which adorn the image, represent those of monks and the king, depending on the season, an indication of its symbolic role "as Buddha and
8580-581: The complex, along the eastern length of the temple wall. In the reign of King Rama IV, the temple wall was enlarged and two of the prang were enclosed inside the temple. Each of the prang represents a different aspect of Buddhism. The prang are arranged from north to south and are differentiated by their colours: the Phra Sammasamphuttha Mahachedi in white is dedicated to the Gautama Buddha . The Phra Satthampariyat Wara Mahachedi in blue
8710-487: The dynasty. Many important state and royal ceremonies are held within the temple each year, presided by the king in person and attended by government officials. This makes the temple the nation's preeminent place of worship and a national shrine for the monarchy and the state. Throughout the years, each king has donated sacred and valuable objects to the temple, making it a treasury as well. The temple complex comprises various buildings for specific religious purposes built in
8840-499: The early 20th century. The King decided to change the purpose of the building, and turned it into a memorial to his predecessors. The name was changed to Prasat Phra Thep Bidon, known in English as the Royal Pantheon. Rama VI had full-size, lifelike statues of the first five Chakri kings made and installed in the pantheon. Further statues were added in 1927, 1959 and 2020. Currently, the pantheon contains nine statues. Normally closed to
8970-406: The east of Rama IV (a royal crown). The exterior walls of the pantheon are decorated with blue tiles with floral motifs. A royal crown tops each of the doors and windows of the pantheon. The east steps of the Than Phaithi leading up towards the pantheon were redesigned with marble steps; on either side the railings are in the form of two five-headed crowned Phaya Nagas . The Phra Mondop ( พระมณฑป )
9100-530: The east of the terrace, flanking the steps leading up to the Prasat Phra Thep Bidon. The two chedi were built by Rama I to commemorate his parents, the southern chedi for his father Thongdi and the northern for this mother Daoreung. The two chedi are almost identical. They each have a marble octagonal base 8.5 metres (28 ft) wide and topped with a golden, square-based stupa with triple indented corners 16 metres (52 ft) in height. The top spire
9230-415: The eastern and western edges of the terrace. Made of plaster and covered in ceramic tiles of various colours, they were added to the terrace by Rama V. The Phra Sawet Kudakhan Wihan Yot ( พระเศวตกุฏาคารวิหารยอด ) or the Wihan Yot extends northwards from the terrace. The building, a vihara , serves as a Buddha image hall, and was first built by Rama III to house many important Buddha images. The building has
9360-456: The eastern and western ends of the hall, an extended porch projects outwards with additional columns. The roof is covered with blue, yellow and orange glazed tiles. The pediments at either end of the roof depict the Hindu god Narayana (or Vishnu ) mounted on the back of a Garuda (a mythical half-man, half-bird), with the latter holding in both hands the tails of two Naga serpents. The figure of
9490-425: The elaborate ritual of changing the rest of the decorative garments. The king also sprays holy water, which is mixed with the water rinsed from the wet cloth used to wipe the dust of the image, upon his subjects waiting outside the ordination hall. Previously this was a privilege afforded only to the princes and officials who were attending the ceremony ( uposatha ) inside the ubosot. Ceremonies are also performed at
9620-524: The first structure—then called the Phutthaprang Prasat ( พุทธปรางค์ปราสาท )—began in 1855, based on the Prasat Thong in the royal palace of Ayutthaya. The King died before its completion in 1882, and his plans to move the Emerald Buddha into it never materialised. In 1903, a fire ravaged the building, necessitating a complete rebuild. The present structure was completed during the reign of Rama VI in
9750-409: The form of a butsabok throne to house depictions of the insignia of previous kings. These insignia were based on the kings' personal seals . Later, a fourth was added to accommodate later kings. They surround the Phra Mondop at each corner. Each of the golden butsabok thrones are built on raised marble bases, each side with inscriptions describing each king's contribution to the building or repair of
9880-579: The former kings of the Ayutthaya and Thonburi kingdoms—the murals inside accordingly depict the history of the foundation of Ayutthaya—while the Ratchakoramanuson hall holds eight Buddha images of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, with murals depicting the foundation of Bangkok. All of the Buddha images were cast in copper for Rama III. His successor Rama IV had them gilded in gold. In between these halls
10010-506: The gallery walls depict the entire arc of the Ramakien epic, which is based on the Indian Ramayana . This version was translated and recomposed in Thai poetic form under the supervision of Rama I himself around 1797. The story is divided into five long episodes. The murals were commissioned by Rama I to tell his version of the epic. In fact, the main decorative theme throughout the temple
10140-416: The god is a traditional symbol of kingship and has been adopted by Thai kings as their symbol since ancient times. The vahana (or vehicle) of the god is the mythical Garuda. A creature of great strength and loyalty, the Garuda has been adopted as the national emblem of Thailand . Hung along the eaves of the roof are hundreds of small, gilded wind-bells with Bodhi -leaf sails. The brackets protruding from
10270-401: The grounds of the Grand Palace, where the public may view them. Early in the Bangkok period, the Emerald Buddha was occasionally taken out and paraded through the streets to relieve the city and countryside of various calamities (such as plague and cholera ). This practice was discontinued during King Rama IV 's reign as it was feared that the image could be damaged during the procession and
10400-444: The hall is decorated with wood carvings of Hanuman , the symbol of the viceroy. The hall contains two mother-of-pearl inlay bookcases containing the Tripitaka. Today, the hall is also used for Buddhist sermons on Buddhist holy days. Formerly, the hall was used as a classroom for novice monks learning religious texts and as an exam room for monks. The row of eight prang , formally known as Phra Atsda Maha Chedi ( พระอัษฎามหาเจดีย์ ),
10530-537: The hall is divided into seven rooms. Ashes and remains of members of the royal family are kept here. Formerly, only the ashes of female royalty was kept here, as was the tradition at Ayutthaya. Later, however, the ashes of many senior male members were also kept here as well. Notably, it contains the ashes of all the viceroys of the Chakri dynasty and their princely descendants. These ashes are kept in hundreds of individual gold urns . The Ho Phra Monthiantham ( หอมณเฑียรธรรม )
10660-426: The hand gesture called Abhayamudra , or the gesture of fearlessness. This iconographic attitude is called the "calming of the waters". This attitude commemorates one of the Buddha's miracles when he stopped a flood from reaching his dwelling. This attitude is symbolic of the Buddha's mastery over the passions. The image is richly attired, wearing a crown, necklace, rings, armlets and other regalia. This presentation of
10790-474: The historical centre of Bangkok . It houses the statue of the Emerald Buddha , which is venerated as the country's palladium . Construction of the temple began in 1783 under the orders of Rama I , the first king of the Chakri dynasty . Since then, each successive king has been personally involved in adding, restoring and embellishing the temple during their reigns as a way of making religious merit and glorifying
10920-633: The insignia of Rama IV (a royal crown ), and the southwest monument is the insignia of Rama V (the Phra Kiao or coronet). The fourth monument on the northeast corner depicts the insignia of four kings: Rama VI (a thunderbolt or vajra ), Rama VII (three arrows), Rama VIII (a Bodhisattva) and Rama IX (the Octagonal Throne and chakra ). The four decorated chedi called the Phra Chedi Songkhrueang ( พระเจดีย์ทรงเครื่อง ) are situated behind
11050-420: The king's belief that; "Diseases are caused by germs, not by evil spirits or the displeasure of the Buddha". The Emerald Buddha also marks the changing of the seasons in Thailand, with the king presiding over seasonal ceremonies. In a ritual held at the temple three times a year, the decoration of the statue is changed at the start of each of the three seasons. The astrological dates for the ritual ceremonies, at
11180-450: The library are four stone Buddhas obtained by Rama V from Java , Indonesia. These Borobudur -style Buddhas are replicas, with the originals now in the Museum of the Emerald Buddha Temple . The Phra Mondop only has one room; the floor is covered in a mat made of woven silver. In the middle of the room is a highly intricate mother-of-pearl inlay manuscript cabinet containing all 84,000 chapters of
11310-453: The library on top of a raised base. In 1788 Rama I ordered a complete revision and compilation of the Tripitaka , as the previous royal copies were destroyed in the sack of Ayutthaya in 1767 . This revision was made by the monks of Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit . Once the revision was complete, a set of the texts was deposited inside the Phra Mondop. During the reign of Rama III, the exterior of
11440-467: The local patois as pronounced in Guangdong Ayutthaya , the old capital of Thailand from 1351 - 1767 A.D., was from the beginning a bilingual society, speaking Thai and Khmer . Bilingualism must have been strengthened and maintained for some time by the great number of Khmer-speaking captives the Thais took from Angkor Thom after their victories in 1369, 1388 and 1431. Gradually toward the end of
11570-438: The major Buddhist holidays Visakha Puja , Asalha Puja and Magha Puja at the temple. Three times a year, the gold garments of the Emerald Buddha image are changed in a royal ceremony marking the change of the seasons. Annual rites are also held on Chakri Memorial Day , the Royal Ploughing Ceremony , the King's Birthday and Songkran (the traditional Thai new year). On most other days, the temple, together with certain areas of
11700-547: The most significant changes occurred during the evolution from Old Thai to modern Thai. The Thai writing system has an eight-century history and many of these changes, especially in consonants and tones, are evidenced in the modern orthography . According to a Chinese source, during the Ming dynasty , Yingya Shenglan (1405–1433), Ma Huan reported on the language of the Xiānluó (暹羅) or Ayutthaya Kingdom, saying that it somewhat resembled
11830-548: The mythical Himavanta forest. They are the Theppaksi , human male upper body with feathered arms, bird lower body, human feet and holding a sword; Thepnorasi , human male upper body, lion lower body and holding a flower; Singhaphanon , monkey upper body, lion lower body and holding a sceptre; Apsarasingha ( Apsonsi ), human female upper body and lion lower body; Asurapaksi , giant upper body and bird lower body; Kinnon ( kinnara ), human male upper body and bird lower body; and
11960-485: The new Grand Palace including Wat Phra Kaew within its compound. Wat Phra Kaew was consecrated in 1785, and the Emerald Buddha was moved with great pomp to its current home in the ubosot of the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex in February/March 1785. The Buddha image is made of a semi-precious green stone, described variously as jade or jasper rather than emerald, as "emerald" here refers to its colour rather than
12090-411: The north). The giants are characters from the Ramakien epic, each distinguished by their skin colour and crowns. Each giant is about 5 metres (16 ft) tall, all clenching a mace or gada in front of them. Starting with the left giant in front of Gate No.1, the front Koei Sadet Gate, and going clockwise around the temple wall, Suriyaphop is red with a bamboo shoot crown, Intarachit is green with
12220-439: The other Buddha image. However, this Buddha image commemorates the reign of Rama II. The names of these two Buddha images; Phra Phuttha Yotfa Chulalok ( พระพุทธยอดฟ้าจุฬาโลก ) and Phra Phuttha Loetla Naphalai ( พระพุทธเลิศหล้านภาลัย ), officially given to them by royal proclamation issued by Rama III, are also the official reign names by which these two deceased kings would henceforth be known. Later, Rama IV would place relics of
12350-445: The past 200 years. Examples include a pair of marble vases and a marble sermon throne from Europe, donated to the temple in 1908. Surrounding the pedestal are other Buddha images made and donated to the temple by various kings. The most notable of these are: The image stands to the front and right side of the Emerald Buddha, looking from the entrance (to the pedestal's north). The standing Buddha has both of his palms turned outwards in
12480-415: The period, a language shift took place. Khmer fell out of use. Both Thai and Khmer descendants whose great-grand parents or earlier ancestors were bilingual came to use only Thai. In the process of language shift, an abundance of Khmer elements were transferred into Thai and permeated all aspects of the language. Consequently, the Thai of the late Ayutthaya Period which later became Ratanakosin or Bangkok Thai,
12610-408: The public, as these activities are prohibited within the Ubosot itself. Behind the Ubosot sits the image of the hermit (or rishi ) Jivaka Komarabhacca ( ชีวกโกมารภัจจ์ ). The image was cast in bronze during the reign of Rama III for the temple. In front of the hermit is a large grinding stone. In the past, traditional medical practitioners would make their potions on this stone, imbuing it with
12740-402: The public, the pantheon is opened annually on 6 April for Chakri Memorial Day, a national holiday in Thailand. The pantheon is laid out in a cruciform plan. It has four entrances, one at the end of each arm, the main entrance being on the east side. The building is in the form known as prasat , with a tall spire in the middle of the roof, a feature usually reserved for royal residences. The roof
12870-434: The reigns of Rama VII during Bangkok's 150th Anniversary in 1932 and of Rama IX for the 200th Anniversary in 1982. As the royal temple, Wat Phra Kaew continues to serve as the site of Buddhist religious rites undertaken by the king and the royal family, including major events such as coronations , royal ordinations and investiture of the supreme patriarch . The king or an appointee also attends annual ceremonies marking
13000-779: The river to the Rattanakosin side and installed at its present position. In 1786 Rama I gave Bangkok an official name as the new capital of Siam. Translated, the name mentions the temple and the Emerald Buddha itself: "The City of Angels, Great City, the Residence of the Emerald Buddha, the Great City of God Indra , Ayutthaya, the World Endowed with Nine Precious Gems , the Happy City Abounding in Great Royal Palaces which Resemble
13130-476: The royal family's personal use. The temple (or wat ) would have all the features of any regular Buddhist temple except for living quarters for monks . Surrounded on all sides by a wall, the temple would be a distinct space for worship separate from the king's residential space. As the temple would be built within the palace of the king, no monks would be lodged there. Instead, monks from various other temples would be invited to perform rituals and then leave. This
13260-484: The royal vocabulary according to their immediate environment. Thai and Pali, the latter from Theravada Buddhism, were added to the vocabulary. An investigation of the Ayutthaya Rajasap reveals that three languages, Thai, Khmer and Khmero-Indic were at work closely both in formulaic expressions and in normal discourse. In fact, Khmero-Indic may be classified in the same category as Khmer because Indic had been adapted to
13390-423: The sanctity of the hermit image. The Than Phaithi ( ฐานไพที ) is a raised terrace or base that elevates several important structures inside the temple, the three principal ones being Prasat Phra Thep Bidon, the Phra Mondop and the Phra Si Rattana Chedi. The terrace has six sets of steps leading up to it: two on the north, one on the east, two on the south and one on the west. Originally, the terrace contained only
13520-467: The scenes below. The first scene depicted is to the right of Gate No. 7, the Wihan Yot Gate. The temple wall has seven gates, two on the east side, one on the south, three on the west and one on the north. The first gate on the east is Gate No.1, the front Koei Sadet Gate, which is directly opposite the Prasat Phra Thep Bidon. This important gate was built by Rama IV. The gate is the only one topped with
13650-618: The ship lost its way in a storm during the return voyage and somehow landed in Cambodia . Historical sources indicate that the statue surfaced in northern Thailand in the Lan Na kingdom in 1434. One account of its discovery tells that lightning struck a chedi in Wat Pa Yia (Bamboo Forest Monastery, later renamed Wat Phra Kaew) in Chiang Rai, revealing a Buddha covered with stucco inside. The Buddha
13780-404: The sides. The colour and clothing of these figures identify them with a particular character in the Ramakien epic. The Monuments of the royal insignia or Phra Borom Ratcha Sanyalak ( พระบรมราชสัญลักษณ์ ) are four monuments depicting the nine insignia of the kings of the Chakri dynasty. In 1882, on the centenary of the founding of Bangkok, Rama V ordered the construction of three monuments in
13910-457: The southernmost being Gate No. 4, the Hermit Gate, named after the hermit statue directly opposite. This gate is the main entrance for visitors into the temple. Gate No. 5 is the rear Koei Sadet Gate, which is the middle gate on the western side, on the outside there is also a resting pavilion and an elephant mounting platform. This gate is usually shut as it is the gate the king uses when he enters
14040-419: The stone. The image has not been analyzed to determine its exact composition or origin. The figure is 48 centimetres (19 in) wide at the lap, and 66 centimetres (26 in) high. The Buddha is in a seated position, with the right leg resting on the left one, a style that suggest it might have been carved in the late Chiang Saen or Chiang Mai school, not much earlier than the fifteenth century CE. However,
14170-421: The story. According to the legend, the Emerald Buddha was created in 43 BCE by a sage named Nagasena in the city of Pataliputra (today's Patna ), India. Nagasena allegedly had the help of the deities, Vishnu and Indra , 500 years after Buddha attained Nibbana . He was said to have predicted: This figure of the Buddha is assuredly going to give to religion the most brilliant importance in five lands, that
14300-581: The temple itself. On each of the corners are two miniature golden multi-tiered umbrellas: the four on the upper level have seven tiers and those on the bottom level have five tiers. Surrounding the monuments are miniature bronze elephants; these represent the white elephants important in each king's reign. The first monument on the northwest corner depicts the insignia of the first three kings; Rama I (the crown without ear ornaments), Rama II (the Garuda) and Rama III (a triple-doored vimana). The southeast monument houses
14430-474: The temple to perform ceremonies. Gate No. 6, the Sanam Chai Gate, is named for the small field outside the gate in the outer court of the Grand Palace. On the northern side is Gate No. 7, the Wihan Yot Gate; this gate stands opposite its namesake. It is the only gate without guardian giants. Statues of twelve yaksha (or giants) guard six of the temple's gates along three sides of the wall (all sides except
14560-535: The terminology "low" reflects the lower tone variants that resulted. Modern "mid"-class consonants were voiceless unaspirated stops or affricates in Old Thai—precisely the class that triggered lowering in original tone 1 but not tones 2 or 3. Modern "high"-class consonants were the remaining voiceless consonants in Old Thai (voiceless fricatives, voiceless sonorants, voiceless aspirated stops). The three most common tone "marks" (the lack of any tone mark, as well as
14690-573: The three tones of Old Thai were split have since merged into five in standard Thai, with the lower variant of former tone 2 merging with the higher variant of former tone 3, becoming the modern "falling" tone. หม ม หน น, ณ หญ ญ หง ง ป ผ พ, ภ บ ฏ, ต ฐ, ถ ท, ธ ฎ, ด จ ฉ ช Emerald Buddha The Emerald Buddha ( Thai : พระแก้วมรกต Phra Kaeo Morakot , or พระพุทธมหามณีรัตนปฏิมากร Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Rattana Patimakon , lit. ' Statue of
14820-452: The top of the columns to support the roof take the form of Nagas with their heads pointing downwards. This commemorates the legend of Mucalinda , the King of the Nagas , who protected the Buddha from rain before he achieved Enlightenment . The Ubosot is surrounded by forty-eight square columns, each with twelve indented corners . Each column is decorated with glass mosaic and gilded gold edges;
14950-423: The two marks termed mai ek and mai tho ) represent the three tones of Old Thai, and the complex relationship between tone mark and actual tone is due to the various tonal changes since then. Since the tone split, the tones have changed in actual representation to the point that the former relationship between lower and higher tonal variants has been completely obscured. Furthermore, the six tones that resulted after
15080-508: The urban/rural divide, is partly mutually intelligible with Lao , Isan , and some fellow Thai topolects . These languages are written with slightly different scripts, but are linguistically similar and effectively form a dialect continuum . Thai language is spoken by over 69 million people (2020). Moreover, most Thais in the northern (Lanna) and the northeastern (Isan) parts of the country today are bilingual speakers of Central Thai and their respective regional dialects because Central Thai
15210-413: The vacant throne of Lan Na as his mother was the daughter of the king of Chiang Mai who had died without an heir. However, Prince Setthathirath also became king of Lan Xang when his father, Photisarath , died. He returned home, taking the revered Buddha figure with him. In 1564, King Setthathirath moved it to Vientiane , which he had made his new capital due to Burmese attacks and where the Buddha image
15340-555: The vast majority of Thai Chinese enclaves throughout the country. It is the sole official language of Thailand . Thai is the most spoken of over 60 languages of Thailand by both number of native and overall speakers. Over half of its vocabulary is derived from or borrowed from Pali , Sanskrit , Mon and Old Khmer . It is a tonal and analytic language . Thai has a complex orthography and system of relational markers . Spoken Thai, depending on standard sociolinguistic factors such as age, gender, class, spatial proximity, and
15470-594: The vihara feature mother-of-pearl inlay and were taken from Wat Pa Mok in Ang Thong Province . The Ho Phra Khanthararat ( หอพระคันธารราษฎร์ ) shares its base with the Phra Mondop Yot Prang ( พระมณฑปยอดปรางค์ ). Built on the orders of Rama IV, both are situated on the southeastern side of the Ubosot. A Buddha shrine, the small structure was built to house the Phra Khanthararat image. The Buddha image
15600-622: The windows, the Jataka tales —tales of the previous lives of the Buddha—are depicted. Below the windows, the northern wall depicts a royal procession by land, with the king seated on a war elephant and marching troops on either side. The lower southern wall shows a royal procession by water , with royal barges and other war boats accompanying the king along a river. The Emerald Buddha, or Phra Kaeo Morakot ( พระแก้วมรกต ), formally named Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Rattana Patimakon ( พระพุทธมหามณีรัตนปฏิมากร ),
15730-501: Was a style favoured by Rama IV. Three structures sit along the west walls of the Ubosot, all commissioned by Rama IV. Ratchakoramanuson Buddha image hall ( หอพระราชกรมานุสรณ์ ) is the northernmost, followed by Phra Photithat Phiman ( พระโพธิธาตุพิมาน ) and Ratchaphongsanuson Buddha image hall ( หอพระราชพงศานุสร ). The Ratchakoramanuson and Ratchaphongsanuson are identical. They hold a total of forty-two Buddha images. The Ratchaphongsanuson hall holds thirty-four Buddha images representing
15860-449: Was a thorough mixture of Thai and Khmer. There were more Khmer words in use than Tai cognates. Khmer grammatical rules were used actively to coin new disyllabic and polysyllabic words and phrases. Khmer expressions, sayings, and proverbs were expressed in Thai through transference. Thais borrowed both the Royal vocabulary and rules to enlarge the vocabulary from Khmer. The Thais later developed
15990-446: Was built by Rama I and later covered in delicate coloured porcelain by Rama III. These prang are typical of the Rattanakosin period, being taller and thinner than those of Ayutthaya. Each spire has an octagonal base with brick foundations, with the decorations made of plaster. Each has four doorways with figures of golden standing devas on each side, above them are a band of supporting yaksha or giants. The prang stood mostly outside
16120-439: Was completed just in time for the centenary of Bangkok in 1882. The tower has an octagonal base, with four doors and protruding porticoes on each side. Inside there are steps leading up to the bell. The bell is hung underneath a mondop -style spire. The entire structure is covered in coloured porcelain in floral and geometrical designs. The bell is only rung at the investiture of the supreme patriarch. The Ho Phra Nak ( หอพระนาก )
16250-517: Was constructed by Rama IV as an entrance to the expanded terrace. The porch was decorated in coloured ceramics in floral and geometrical designs. In the form of a prasat , the porch's roof has a central spire rising from in the middle. Panom Mak ( พนมหมาก ) are eighteen decorative sculptures representing flowers and banana leaves offerings on a tray . They are based on traditional flower arrangements offered to Buddha statues by devotees as an act of making merit. These sculptures are distributed along
16380-812: Was housed in Haw Phra Kaew . The Buddha image would stay in Vientiane for the next 214 years. In 1779, the Siamese General Chao Phraya Chakri invaded Laos , looted Vientiane and took the Emerald Buddha to Siam. It was installed in a shrine close to Wat Arun in Thonburi , the new capital of Siam. Chao Phra Chakri then seized the throne for himself and founded the Chakri Dynasty of the Rattanakosin Kingdom , where he would later be titled King Rama I. He shifted his capital across Chao Phraya river to its present location in Bangkok , and constructed
16510-508: Was small and sandwiched between two temples; Wat Arun and Wat Tai Talat , prohibiting further expansion. Rama I established the Grand Palace on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River , within the fortified city area now known as Rattanakosin Island . Traditionally, an area was always set aside within the palace compound for the construction of a royal temple or chapel for the king and
16640-549: Was still a monk. Once he became king in 1851, he swapped the image with the Phra Phuttha Sihing , which was moved to the Front Palace and given to his brother Pinklao . This golden Buddha image is depicted in the meditation attitude and is 67.5 centimetres (27 in) tall. The form and artistry of the image was a clear break from the previous traditional iconography of the Buddha. The naturalistic face and realistic robes
16770-447: Was the case with Wat Mahathat , a royal chapel within the grounds of the royal palace at Sukhothai , Wat Phra Si Sanphet at Ayutthaya and Wat Arun in Thonburi. Wat Phra Si Sanphet, built next to the royal palace of the king of Ayutthaya , particularly influenced the building of this new temple. Construction on the temple began in 1783. The temple was given the formal name Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, meaning "the temple containing
16900-401: Was then placed in the abbot's residence, who later noticed that stucco on the nose had flaked off, revealing a green interior. The abbot removed the stucco and found a Buddha figure carved from a green semi-precious stone, which became known as Phra Kaew Morakot or in English the Emerald Buddha. ("Emerald" refers to its "green colour" in Thai, not its composition.) Some art historians describe
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