The Reclining Golden Buddha is a highly revered and ancient statue of the Buddha located in the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, Thailand. This statue is highly significant to the Thai people and is said to be one of the largest Reclining Buddha statues in the world. The Reclining Golden Buddha is more than 46 meters long and 15 meters high and is adorned with gold plated carvings.
History
The Reclining Golden Buddha was constructed in 1832 by King Rama III. It was originally constructed as a way to honor and pay homage to the Buddha. The statue was made from brick and stucco, and then covered with gold leaf. The Buddha’s eyes are made of mother of pearl, and the soles of his feet are decorated with 108 auspicious symbols.
Symbolism
The Reclining Golden Buddha symbolizes the passing of the Buddha into nirvana, or enlightenment. The statue is said to represent the Buddha’s last moments before his death. The gold plating of the statue symbolizes the Buddha’s divine nature. Additionally, the soles of the Buddha’s feet are said to represent the 108 auspicious symbols of the Buddhist faith.
Significance
The Reclining Golden Buddha is one of the most important and significant statues in Thailand. It is seen as a symbol of peace and a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings. Additionally, the statue is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Visiting the Reclining Golden Buddha
The Reclining Golden Buddha is located in the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is open from 8am to 5pm daily and admission is free. Visitors are advised to dress appropriately and to be respectful of the statue and the temple. Additionally, visitors can purchase souvenirs from the temple’s gift shop.
Things to Do Near the Reclining Golden Buddha
- Visit the Grand Palace
- Take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River
- Explore the streets of Chinatown
- Go shopping at the Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The Reclining Golden Buddha is an important and highly revered statue in Thailand. It is a symbol of peace and a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings. Visitors can explore the Wat Pho temple and admire the Reclining Golden Buddha while also taking part in other activities such as visiting the Grand Palace and exploring the streets of Chinatown.