The Temple of the Emerald Buddha houses the main shrine of Thailand, which only the king or crown prince is allowed to touch. Temple complex covers an area of ​​about 55 hectares in historical center Bangkok, adjacent to the Grand Royal Palace.

The construction of this masterpiece of Thai architecture began during the reign of Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty. It was he who brought the sculpture from Laos in 1778, and three years later moved the capital of Siam from Thonburi from the right to the left bank of the Chao Phraya River. Since then, a coronation ceremony has been held near the statue of the Emerald Buddha, during which the rulers of the country swear to faithfully serve the people. Believers believe that the image of the deity is responsible for the power and prosperity of the kingdom.

The founder of Buddhism is depicted sitting on a throne in the lotus position. On both sides there are two glass spheres representing the Moon and the Sun. The head is crowned with a multi-level golden crown. The wrists, ankles and forearms are decorated with inlaid bracelets. Both hands rest on your knees, palms facing up. This gesture is called dhyana mudra and symbolizes the meditation that precedes enlightenment. The stone sculpture is carved from translucent jadeite. The precious mineral is formed in rocks of volcanic origin subject to high pressure and negative temperatures. Since ancient times in South-East Asia Magical properties were attributed to the gem; amulets and jewelry were made from the stone for monarchs.

Three times a year, a solemn ritual of dressing the statue is held, since Thailand has three seasons. In the cold season, the outfit consists of a cape that completely envelops the body; in the rainy season, the robe leaves the right shoulder, feet and hands exposed. During the dry season, the sculpture looks most impressive, but you still won’t be able to see the openwork elements of the robe. The fact is that the hall is in twilight, and sculptural composition It is small in size (66 cm in height and 48 cm in width including the pedestal), and it is also impossible to get close to it: only Thais are allowed close for prayers. Photography and video shooting are prohibited; pictures can only be taken through open doors.

Story

Guides tell tourists myths about the origin of the statue, found in 1434 in the northern province of Chiang Rai. According to one version, the walled chedi split apart from a lightning strike, and then the monks saw a green statue hidden in the mortar. Another legend says that the figure of the deity was covered with a layer of plaster for camouflage, and when accidentally dropped, a piece broke off, as happened with the Golden Buddha statue. The monastic brethren decided that the sculpture was made of emerald, which subsequently gave the name to the most famous object of religious worship in Thailand. According to ancient legends, the first mention of the Emerald Buddha appeared 500 years after the Indian prince Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment. Wars were fought for the sake of possessing the sacred relic; many kings sought to take possession of the talisman, which, according to legend, brought power and wealth. Over several centuries, the statue visited different countries.

Layout and interior of Wat Phra Kaew

The territory is surrounded by a high wall, the total length of the perimeter is 1.5 km. The central doors of the temple are open only to members of the royal family, and visitors enter through the side gates. The pagodas are inlaid with gold and bronze. Lotuses float in flowerpots. The entrance to the wat is guarded by 12 bronze lions brought from Cambodia, and mythical creatures: the Yaksha demons, the half-human half-birds Garuda and Kinnari. Characters from Thai mythology are also present on the terraces and courtyard.

The facades are covered with carvings, paintings and scenes from the Ramayana. The frescoes depict 180 episodes of the ancient Indian epic.

The complex also houses a library, a mausoleum-pantheon where urns with the ashes of royalty rest, and a miniature copy of the main attraction of Cambodia - Angkor Wat.

The gilded stupa was built in 1855 by order of Rama IV, who entered the world history under the name Mongkut. This monarch was a skillful politician, and thanks to his subtle diplomacy, built on the difference of interests European countries in Indochina, Siam managed to avoid colonization, unlike neighboring states.

The religious building houses a casket with the relics of Buddha - a bone removed by the disciples of the Enlightened One from the funeral pyre. The ritual of circumambulating the stupa is performed clockwise, starting from the east, an odd number of times. Everyone can perform a Buddhist ritual on their own or with other pilgrims walking at that moment.

Opening hours

Wat Phra Kaew is open to visitors every day from 8:30 to 16:30. Price entrance ticket- 500 baht, sale ends at 15:30. Children under 120 cm tall are admitted free of charge, above - for 250 baht. Renting an audio guide costs 200 baht (broadcast in Russian is available), tour guide services - from 800 baht. Scheme maps are provided free of charge. There are always queues at the cash registers.

It should be taken into account that the temple has a strict dress code, and simply covering yourself with a pareo, as in other holy places, will not be enough. Information about what clothing should be is posted on the stand. Blouses, shirts and T-shirts with short sleeves, shorts and torn jeans, skirts above the knee, short or tight trousers, and tight dresses are not allowed. Nearby, shopping tents sell and rent clothing that meets the requirements. Shoes must be removed upon entry. If you don't want to go barefoot, bring socks with you. You cannot go inside with backpacks and large bags, and there are no luggage storage facilities. Women are forbidden to touch or speak to monks.

How to get there

Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located on artificial island Rattanakosin, formed by the Chao Phraya River and several canals. City bus routes nearby: No. 2, 9, 12, 25, 32, 43, 44, 47, 53, 60, 82, 91, 123, 501, 508.

It will be possible to get to water transport. First you need to get to the river pier by BTS (above-ground Skytrain monorail), get off at Saphan Taksin station and go to the pier, and then transfer to an Express boat and for 20 baht swim to pier No. 9, from there it’s only a 100-baht walk to the temple m.

It's easy to walk from Khao San Road or Chinatown.

You can order a taxi online using mobile application GrabTaxi. The service provides the possibility of paying both by card and in cash.

The city of Bangkok, the beautiful capital of Thailand, has always been praised by travelers and writers from foreign countries. The Thais themselves treat it with even greater respect, calling it the City of the Gods and the Great Capital of the World.

One of the ubiquitous attractions of Thailand are its temples, and of course these beautiful buildings are most concentrated in capital city. From anywhere in Bangkok you can see their tiled roofs in bright colors. There are about 400 of them in Bangkok, but their number is constantly changing upward. Thais are very religious, with more than 90 percent of the population practicing Buddhism. Each of the temples ("wat") is unique in its own way, but each of them is distinguished by the high level of use of jewelry, gold and statues.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The main temple of Thailand and the heart of Bangkok is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or locally Wat Phra Kaew. Its construction took place in 1782-1785, and the area near the royal palace was chosen for its location. Nowadays, huge crowds of tourists visit the royal palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha every day.

In the footsteps of a jade figurine

The main attraction of this place and the whole country is the statue of the Emerald Buddha. There are many legends associated with this ancient shrine, and it is currently difficult to accurately determine its origin. So, according to one legend, it was presented by the Indian ruler Ashoka, who was the first to adopt Buddhism in the Southeast Asian region. According to another legend, the statue was carved in heaven for 7 days and nights, and the king of angels brought him down to earth. Another hypothesis attributes its creation to an unknown ancient Greek master, who transferred it to Ceylon. From there she migrated to Burma, and later settled in the neighboring country.

It is worth noting that the statue of the Emerald Buddha traveled not only in legends. During military conflicts, it was the main trophy. After staying in many neighboring countries, she settled in the southern Thai city of Nakhon Si Thammarat, from where she was later transported to Chiang Rai, where she found refuge until the 15th century.

The guardians knew that the inconspicuous figurine kept great history, and treated it as a great shrine. During his stay in Chiang Rai, another incident happened to the figurine. interesting story. One night, her abode was struck by lightning, the building was damaged, and a crack appeared on the Emerald Buddha. According to legend, the monks saw an amazing picture - the gap shone with a soft emerald light.

Emerald Buddha and crowns

There is another story about this event. According to this version, a golden statuette of Buddha was found in a stupa destroyed by lightning, and later, when it was already moved to Bangkok, the gold crumbled, exposing its insides. In terms of composition, the Buddha is not made of emerald; it is carved from a single piece of jade. But this does not make the 70 cm statue any less valuable.

The ruler of Chiang Mai, having learned about what happened, takes the figurine to his city and places it in a separate pagoda. A little later, a ruler from Laos comes to the throne of this city, who then takes her to his home. For 215 years, the figurine was there, decorating the temples of Luang Prabang and Vientiane. The return of the relic to Siam occurs in 1778, and already in 1782 it occupies its current position - in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Abode of the Enthroned Relic

The temple itself presents visitors with a rather complex, extensive complex surrounded by a wall. The buildings, as everywhere else, are covered with bright tiles with eye-catching orange, green and yellow flowers. There are patterns and symbols of Buddhism made of glass, wood and smalt everywhere. The gilding shines brightly, everything sparkles and shimmers. Beautiful statues of garuda birds and demons are everywhere in sight.

Near the portico near the main building, visitors leave their shoes and move towards the entrance. There are three entrances in total. Two side passages are open to regular visitors. The central entrance is intended for the royal family, who come here on special occasions.

The entrance to the temple is guarded from evil spirits by two statues of demons. Similar statues can be found near many rooms of this temple complex.

Demon guard at the entrance to the temple

Entering the monastery of the Emerald Buddha, you come across twilight. After the bright sun, the eyes spend a long time trying to get used to it and find, among all the bright and shimmering beauty of the interior, that very main relic of Thailand. The figurine sits in the lotus position at a height of approximately two human heights. And if in the Buddhist religion it is not customary to be higher than the Buddha, then here this rule is easy to observe. The jade figurine is dressed in a toga made of pure gold, which changes depending on the season of the year. Five crowns of gold are visible above the Buddha's head.

Buddha's clothes by season

On either side of the Emerald Buddha are two glass spheres representing the Moon and the Sun. Below are richly decorated various vases and bowls. There are also statues of bodhisattvas here, symbolizing the kings of the Chakri dynasty, which currently rules. Near the altar there are two human-sized statues of bodhisattvas. Each statue is decorated with a crown. If you look away from the Buddha pedestal, you will notice that the building is painted with paintings telling us about the life of Buddha. And once again I would like to say that all this decoration shines and sparkles, revealing gold and gems.

And, of course, you can feel the Buddhist atmosphere here. People enter the building, sit in the lotus position or just kneel on the floor, and freeze. Whispers are periodically heard, flickering candles are seen, and the dense smell of incense is felt.

Video about the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Temple of the Emerald Buddha on the map

Temple of the Golden Buddha in Bangkok

The next popular temple in Bangkok is located in the Chinese district - Sampeng. This is the Temple of the Golden Buddha or Wat Trimit, named after the huge Buddha statue located here, half made of gold. This statue has an equally interesting story that deserves to be heard.

On the night of April 25, 1953, another lightning strikes a stone statue of Buddha. The statue weighing more than 5 tons was brought back in the 18th century from former capital Sukhothai. The hit caused serious destruction to the statue, but in this fracture the disappointed monks noticed a shine. They immediately set about clearing the statue. As it turned out, a thick layer of lime hid the golden statue of Buddha for many centuries.

It is no longer known whose work this was. Probably, during wars, to hide the golden statue from the enemy, smart monks changed its “clothing”, and in this form the statue has survived to this day. And if not for a natural disaster, most likely, this secret would have been kept to this day.

Video about the Temple of the Golden Buddha

Temple of the Golden Buddha on the map

Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

Another large temple in Bangkok is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Pho. In addition to abundant decorations, the temple contains many Buddha statues, teaching aids on Thai massage, and four stupa tombs of the first kings of the Chakri dynasty. It was in this temple that Rama I proclaimed himself king, founding a new dynasty. But, of course, the main attraction of this temple is the huge Buddha statue.

The 46-meter Buddha is made of cement and brick and covered with gold plates. The giant lies on his side, his right hand supporting his head. The Buddha's mother-of-pearl feet depict all of his characteristics that distinguish him from an ordinary person. Buddhist theologians find as many as 107 features in the statue itself, for example, his toes are the same length.

Buddha's Feet

Video about the Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Temple of the Reclining Buddha on the map

Temple of the Dawn in Bangkok

The Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun is located in the Thonburi area. It is this temple that is noticeable during a boat trip of tourists along the main artery of Bangkok - Chao Phraya. The building stands out for its height - 80 meters. The tower has a style borrowed from the neighboring state of Cambodia and is covered with a mosaic of ceramic tiles.

Video about the Temple of the Dawn

Temple of the Dawn on the map

Marble Temple in Bangkok

The next temple is one of the youngest in Bangkok - Marble Temple or Wat Banchompit. It was built in the 20th century, the material for the construction is almost entirely Italian marble. The eastern pediment of the main building is decorated with an image of Vishnu on a bird guard. On the south side you can see the Wheel of the Law. On the north is the three-headed elephant Erawan. On the western side, craftsmen carved the text from the song Undom.

The main building is surrounded by many rooms. The complex houses the largest collection of bronze Buddha statues, collected here at the behest of King Chulalongkorn. The floor is made of marble slabs forming patterns, and the walls are decorated with gold ribbons. There is also a gilded statue of Buddha, cast in 1901.

A park is maintained on the temple grounds. One of the famous traditions of this temple is throwing a coin into the water, as a tradition to come back here again. But the role of the coin in the Marble Temple is played by turtles. Here you can buy a turtle, write your name on its shell and release it into the water.

Marble Temple on the map

Video about Bangkok

The temples of Bangkok are unique and beautiful. Maybe they are the ones that add up to a visitor to the city general impression about the whole country. This is truly a must see to begin to understand the soul of Thailand.

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The Grand Palace or Royal Palace in Bangkok is not only the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), with which this place is most often associated. In addition to the temple itself, government agencies are located on the territory, some of which are still in operation. Now it is mostly one large museum, but part of the territory is not accessible to the public.

  • Working hours: 08:30-15:30
  • Official site: www.royalgrandpalace.th
  • Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Grand Palace, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
  • Telephone: +66 2623 5500
  • Excursion from Pattaya:

Royal Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha on the map in Bangkok

The creation of the complex began on May 6, 1782, by order of the ruler Rama I, who ascended the throne. The area of ​​the complex is 218,400 square meters, surrounded by a high perimeter wall, its length is 1,900 meters.

Located on Rattanakosin Island, the right bank of the Chao Phraya, in the historical center of Bangkok.

Royal Palace Map

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Temple of the Emerald Buddha – main temple Thailand, the main attraction of Bangkok, the personal temple of the king. This is one of the largest Buddhist shrines in Thailand, widely known throughout the world. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the crown jewel of the Grand Royal Palace.

The main purpose of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the religious needs of members of royal dynasties. The central doors of the temple, carved from teak wood, are open only to the king and members of his family, and only they have the right to enter through the main, main entrance. The monarch himself visits the temple at least three times a year, as well as on particularly important occasions when decisions are made at the state level. Visitors can enter through the side doors (there are two of them): believers, pilgrims and tourists.

By the way, the overwhelming majority of the population of Thailand are Buddhists, which is not a teaching in the sense in which it is commonly believed. Here it is religion, and religion occupies a special significance in the life of Thais.

The temple itself is not a shrine. This is just a luxurious shell for the Emerald Buddha statue. Although sacred ceremonies certainly take place here, and there are even special rules for visiting the temple: men must wear long trousers, women must wear long skirts, shoes must be removed before entering.

The figure of the Emerald Buddha, located in the ubosot (sacred room, perhaps like our altar) of Wat Phra Kaew, is the main shrine around which the temple complex was eventually created. In fact, the Buddha figure is not made of emerald at all, but from a single piece of saturated jadente Green colour, very similar in color to emerald. The Buddha is depicted sitting cross-legged - in a pose of meditation - on a rich multi-tiered golden altar about three meters high, which looks like an aerial chariot of the Indian Gods.

At the foot there are incense, numerous vases, bowls with offerings, both from high-ranking officials of the state and from ordinary residents. On each side of the Emerald Buddha statue there is a glass sphere, one of which symbolizes the Sun, and the other the Moon. The figure of Buddha is quite small: the height of the statue is about 70 cm, and the width is about 46 cm.

Depending on the season, the Buddha statue looks different. Three luxurious, rich gold outfits were made especially for the Emerald Buddha. No one has the right to touch him except the king or the crown prince, who personally changes the Buddha’s robe three times a year depending on the time of year. The king himself wipes the dust off the crown, since, according to tradition, the prosperity of the state and the success of the ruling person is directly proportional to the care of the Buddha statue. This is a whole ritual, a ceremony. This tradition was started by King Rama I.

Associated with Buddha statue mysterious story, which is told in several versions. The first mention of the statue dates back to 1434-1436. Buddhist stupa was struck by lightning, as a result of which it split - a small statue made of a green mineral was found inside. Somewhat later, when the plaster hiding the statue broke off, it became clear that the statue was an image of Buddha. Recognized as a shrine, the statue traveled throughout Asian countries for many years, returning to Thailand only in 1778. The Wat Phra Kaew temple was built for her, which opened in 1784. There the Buddha statue took a place of honor, where it remains today.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha complex

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a complex consisting of many buildings made in the traditions of Buddhist and Thai architecture.

It includes all the buildings characteristic of a monastery: a library with a collection of rare ancient books; the golden pagoda (stupa) where the Buddha's bone is kept; a mausoleum containing the cremated remains of members of the royal family; statues of various creatures.

At the entrance to Wat Phra Kaew there are two huge statues - these are the protectors of the temple from evil spirits, the Yakshi demons.

In addition to them, the temple building is surrounded by other statues of mythical creatures: Garuda and Kinnari - half people and half birds; Chinese-looking stone guards; dogs; king of the monkeys Inlaid with gold, bronze, and glaze, the carved dome of the temple has a multi-stage structure.

The ends of the roofs are decorated with images of snake heads. White on the outside, the inside of the temple walls are a gallery of paintings describing the life of Buddha: birth, childhood, youth, numerous journeys in search of truth, temptations, enlightenment. The ceiling of the main hall of the temple is also decorated with paintings with scenes from the life of Buddha. On the door leaves decorated with mother-of-pearl, as well as in the paintings of other rooms of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, you can see episodes of the “Ramakiyan” - the Thai version of the “Ramayana” (an ancient Indian epic).

The territory of the temple complex, with adjacent lands, is about 95 hectares. Everything looks very rich and well-groomed. Over the centuries, Wat Phra Kaew has been restored several times; almost every 50 years, the temple undergoes major renovations.

The thick smell and smoke of incense, the flickering of numerous candles in the twilight, the hum of human voices - all this creates a unique mysterious and solemn atmosphere in the temple.

Major works of art

What is the first thing you should pay attention to when visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha? Below is a list of the main works of art of particular value located in it.

Wooden, gold-plated throne of the Emerald Buddha. The creation of the throne dates back to the era of the first reign; subsequently the throne was increased in height by King Rama III.

Two large bronze statues of a crowned Buddha (about three meters high). The statues were created under Rama III and dedicated to kings Rama I and Rama II. They are images of Buddha standing and in a state of complete calm.

Twelve bronze lions guarding the doors (six pairs). The pair of lions guarding the royal entrance was brought by King Rama I from Kampuchea (Cambodia).

Mother-of-pearl door panels created during the first reign.

Crowned bronze statues of Buddha. There are ten of them in total. Mounted in pairs on the foundation of the throne, the gold-plated figurines depict the Buddha in a state of peace and tranquility. They are dedicated to the main members of the royal family of the first, second and third reigns.

12 small open pavilions around the ubosot (main hall with shrine).

How to get to the Royal Palace

In Bangkok

You can get to the Royal Palace by:

  • to berths No. 9 The Chang (closest) or No. 8 Ta Thien (located next to,
  • №: 1, 3, 9, 15, 25, 30, 32, 33, 43, 44, 47, 53, 59, 64, 80, 82, 91, 203, 503, 508, 512.

2. With a tour.

The Royal Palace is included in many sightseeing tours in Bangkok from Pattaya. Estimated cost - 2500 baht. We recommend looking at the websites and. Please keep in mind that your time on the tour will be very limited.

Information for self-guided visits

1. Rules of conduct.

Every visitor to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (this rule applies to all Thai temples) must be dressed appropriately. In particular, it is prohibited to visit the temple in clothes that reveal legs above the knees, arms above the elbows, or shoulders.

At the entrance to the temple complex there is a rental point where anyone can borrow clothes for visiting the temple. There is no rental fee; visitors, having taken the clothes, only leave them for the duration of the rental. cash deposit. During rush hour, clothes may not be available. In this case, you need to go to the shopping arcades (if you look at the map of the complex, then in the lower left corner) and the merchants will offer you suitable clothes to rent or even buy.

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. But don’t worry about this: on the vast territory of the temple complex, any tourist will find many interesting objects to photograph. In addition, the statue of the Emerald Buddha can be removed from afar, through the open gates of the temple.

2. When is the best time to come?

It is best to arrive at the temple early in the morning. Already by 9:00-9:30 there is a large queue at the box office of those wishing to purchase tickets (by the way, you can buy them in advance on the official website). In addition, you will be able to walk around the territory in relative solitude and take good photographs.

If you are traveling to Bangkok on your own, then from personal experience We recommend doing this. First come to the Royal Palace, visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, then walk to and from there cross to the opposite side by ferry for 3 baht. Everything is within walking distance. Our mistake was that we decided to first visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Temple of Dawn on the opposite side; we did not have time to get to the Royal Palace, since it closes for entry the earliest - at 15:30.

Working hours

The Royal Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha are open daily from 8:30 to 16:30 (tickets sold until 15:30). The exception is days when royal ceremonies take place in the palace and temple.

Be aware that tuk-tuk drivers and other unexpected “helpers” may stop you on your way and tell you that “the palace/temple is not open today.” Don't be fooled, they are most likely lying. Thus, they try to take you to some other temple, and more often, arrange a shopping excursion. This can happen to all popular ones.

Ticket prices

The cost of visiting the Royal Palace is 500 baht. Children under 120 cm tall are free. The entrance ticket entitles you to visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha complex and the territory of the Royal Palace.

In addition, the price includes a visit to the Hall of Regalia with coins and precious items (entrance to the right of the entrance to the Royal Palace complex).

Wat Phra Kaew is the main shrine not only thai capital, but also the entire Kingdom. Located in the central part of the city, it receives thousands of tourists and pilgrims every day. The construction of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha dates back to the 18th century and the most interesting thing is that even today it continues to be considered a symbol of good luck. Visiting Bangkok and not visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the same as visiting Moscow and not going to Red Square.

Today, the main shrine is a whole complex, the buildings of which are made in the traditional Thai style. Its total area is 95 hectares, and it is surrounded on all sides by a wall. The main building of the entire complex is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Royal Pantheon, the Library, and Phra Sirana Chedi also deserve special attention. The remaining numerous buildings can be classified as secondary, with tourist spot They are unremarkable from view.

During your walk, you will see many miniature lakes with lotus flower. Various creatures also attract the attention of visitors, including the Yakshi demons, bird people, the monkey king and others. Pay attention to the Buddhist domes, consisting of several steps. On the roofs of buildings you can see images of snake heads.

At the entrance to the temple there are 12 bronze lion statues. On the door panels you will see episodes from the Thai epic Ramakiyana. Scenes from the life of Buddha are painted on the walls and ceiling of the temple. Thanks to the images you can see all of it life path, from birth to enlightenment.

Wat Phra Kaew can be looked at for hours. Here each element is of particular interest. In addition to the 12 lions, other mythical creatures are installed around the main building, whose main task is to scare away evil spirits. Buddha himself sits on a wooden throne covered with gold on all sides. On either side of the deity you will see two more Buddha statues dedicated to the first two rulers of the royal Chakri dynasty.

Unlike the temple, the Golden Stupa was erected only in the 19th century. Due to its impressive size, it can be seen from almost any corner of the complex. A small part of the Buddha's relics is kept inside. This shrine was donated to the Kingdom by the Nepalese authorities.

You won't be able to visit the Royal Library, as it is closed to tourists. But at the same time, the external decoration of the building is simply mesmerizing. A few minutes from the library there is another interesting building, called the Royal Pantheon. Inside you can see sculptures of the rulers of the Chakri dynasty. Its doors open only once a year (April 6). It is on this day that the Day of the Royal Dynasty is celebrated, and members of the royal nobility take part in the solemn celebrations.

There is a museum next to the temple complex. It houses the old outfits of the Emerald Buddha, his jewelry and other valuables. A visit to the museum is included in the entrance ticket price, so there is no need to pay anything additional.

All the Kings of the Chakri dynasty made some contribution to the construction and development of the temple. About once every half century, reconstruction and major repairs are carried out on its territory.

Emerald Buddha figure

Jadeine (jade) was used to make the figurine. It was named emerald due to the green tint of the material. The figure is decorated with gold. The Buddha figurine was first discovered in 1436 among the ruins of a pagoda that was struck by lightning. Over the years, it has visited various territories and changed more than one owner. Many rulers tried to get such an important treasure in order to attract happiness and good luck to themselves.

Before reaching Thailand, the figurine was located within Laos. Rama I brought her to Bangkok after the attack on Vientiane. In connection with these events, the Wat Phra Kaew temple was erected in the capital, in which the shrine was subsequently placed. The Buddha figurine is one of the most ancient relics of Buddhism, as its creation dates back to 43 BC.

IN this moment Buddha sits on a golden throne, decorated on all sides with precious stones. The height of the altar on which the throne is placed is about 3 meters. Only the King has the right to touch the statuette. Three times a year, the Buddha is dressed in different outfits, depending on the time of year. The king must also take care of the relic. After all, the legend says that the success of the ruler and the prosperity of the state depend precisely on how the figurine is taken care of. Each Buddha's decoration is a real work of art. The outfits are decorated with gold and diamonds.

Despite its popularity throughout the world, the Buddha figure is relatively small in size. Its height is 66 centimeters, width – 48. The deity is depicted in a sitting position, in the lotus position.

Ticket price and opening hours

The temple complex receives its visitors every day from 8:30 to 16:30. One hour before closing, ticket sales stop. An exception may be days of state events or festivals in which members of the royal nobility take part.

Note! Tourists can enter the temple premises only through the side doors. The central entrance is intended only for the Ruler and his entourage.

Due to the fact that the temple is visited by almost all guests of Bangkok, there is always a queue near the ticket office. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive early, at 9 o’clock.

The ticket price is 500 baht. It allows you not only to visit Wat Phra Kaew, but also to get acquainted with the Hall of Regalia. You can rent an audio guide for 200 baht.

A few important points to pay attention to while visiting the temple:

  1. You should not take too large bags or backpacks with you. You are unlikely to be allowed into the temple, plus there are no luggage storage rooms there. Therefore, you should only have the most necessary things with you.
  2. To visit the complex you must have proper appearance. No revealing outfits, short shorts, bare shoulders or knees.
  3. A clothing rental service is available in front of the temple, but given the number of visitors, there may not be enough clothes for everyone. To rent a kit, you need to leave a deposit of 250 baht. Near the complex there are many merchants from whom you can buy some things.
  4. Be sure to take off your shoes before entering the temple. In addition, do not forget to cross the threshold.
  5. Female representatives are not allowed to talk to monks.
  6. Photography is prohibited inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. But this does not mean that the camera will not be useful to you. Successful shots can be taken on the territory of the complex.

How to get there?

Finding the temple will not be difficult, as it is located within the Rattanakosin Peninsula, next to Royal Palace. The most convenient way to get to the complex is by taxi; the average cost of a trip is 200-250 baht. There is a bus stop not far from the temple shuttle buses. Routes that follow here are 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 25, 43, 44, 47, 53, 60, 82, 91, 123, 501, 508.

There is no metro station near the temple. Therefore, you can take the Skytrain to SaphanTaksin Station. There, transfer to the river bus and get off at pier No. 9. The entrance to the temple is located 100 meters away.

In general, you can reach the complex on foot.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha on the map

On this map I marked the exact location of the temple.

Wat Phra Kaew is a truly important landmark of the capital and every visitor to Bangkok should visit it. There is a special atmosphere here that allows you to get in touch with the past of the Thai Kingdom and get acquainted with the main religion of the country.

Stones are eternal, always different, dazzlingly beautiful, every single one miraculous creation of either Mother Nature, or an unknown deity restless in his passion for beauty. People are born, live for a few miserable decades and turn into decay, but they do not change for millennia - and it was they who were once chosen by humanity in order to leave a memory of themselves to distant descendants. But gems are not just luxury items that have seen famous rulers of the past sparkle in eastern harems and Russian chambers; it is also the most ideal tool for conveying sincere religious feelings, because faith has no time, and a sacred image or text carved in stone does not age, only absorbing new emanations of spiritual ecstasy. In any religion of the world, precious stones occupy an important place - from mythical artifacts like the agate cup of the Holy Grail and the carnelian ring of the prophet Mohammed to books, temple utensils, sacred images and sculptures, richly decorated with gems, or even carved from solid pieces of stone. But there is also a certain intermediate stage - religious objects are so unique and revered that they have already become a legend during their lifetime. One of the main and revered shrines of Buddhists, the famous Emerald Buddha of Thailand, belongs to them.

In fact, the Emerald Buddha is not made of emerald at all - the 66 cm high statue depicting the Buddha frozen in the traditional “lotus” position is entirely carved from a translucent soft green stone, which is sometimes called jade or green chalcedony, because its composition is up to the end is unclear. However, this mystery is just a drop in the ocean of unexplained mysteries surrounding the brilliant emerald-colored figure. Depending on the angle of view, a soft greenish-blue glow seems to flow from the depths of the statue, delighting believers. And the age of the Buddha has not yet been determined - Thai chronicles tell the story of the creation of the monument differently. One of the most mystical and popular is the story of the ancient monk Nagasena, who, 500 years after the passing of the real Buddha into nirvana, decided to make a statue of him, but not from the usual gold, but from a gem that would have magical powers. The monk was allegedly helped by the Hindu god Indra - first he tried to steal the sacred stone of the Emperor of the Universe, then, realizing that the great jewel could not change its owner, he offered Nagasena in exchange a mysterious mineral called the “Emerald Jewel”. For seven days and seven nights, the heavenly army carved the statue, and then Indra delivered the statue to Earth and erected a wonderful golden palace to store the relic... A more prosaic, but no less glorious legend is that Buddha was given to the Thais by King Ashoka, the first Hindu ruler who accepted Buddhism and commanded an unknown sculptor from Greece to carve a wonderful statue.

In fact, it is known for certain that the Emerald Buddha changed many countries and temples - first, until the 3rd century. AD he was in India, then he was taken to Sri Lanka, from there to Cambodia, and then to Siam. The statue has always been of great importance for Buddhists - in the Middle Ages, the courtiers of Siam and Laos swore an oath of allegiance to the monarch who currently owned the Buddha in front of its face. Long rulers eastern country fought among themselves for the right to own the Buddha - and finally the green figure, apparently unable to bear the strife and death through his own fault... disappeared from the face of the Earth and from the pages of historical manuscripts. It was found again completely by accident - probably only a miracle directed lightning into an inconspicuous stupa in northern Thailand in 1434 - it was a structure that really resembled an inverted mortar or bell in appearance. Before the thunderstorm, no one suspected that a simple temple hid such a great treasure - Buddha, according to legend, was for some reason completely covered with alabaster, which hid an emerald stone. And when the stupa turned into rubble, the monks raking the rubble found a cracked alabaster figurine, and green sparkled in the cracks... There is another version: they say that the Buddha was completely covered with gold, which fell off the stone only when the Buddha was transported from the destroyed stupa to the temple in Bangkok.

Be that as it may, the Emerald Buddha was again found, and for another 200 years he wandered between Thailand, Siam and Laos, until in 1782, Rama I, King of Thailand, built a temple dedicated to the “Sacred Emerald Jewel” on the territory of his palace. , as the Thais call Buddha. The temple itself, located in the heart of Bangkok, looks magnificent: stone walls, entwined with gold and blue flowers, painted with bright frescoes and decorated with bronze statues, hide a luxurious gilded hall, where behind the doors trimmed with mother-of-pearl, there is a high five-step majestic throne of the Buddha, which surrounded by many smaller gold figurines of a deity, designed to serve as a backdrop for the green treasure, as well as two bronze, gilded and inlaid with various gems, 3-meter statues of a crowned Buddha, symbolizing the Thai kings.

Back in the 16th century. The monks changed the golden robes “worn” on the statue twice a year - there was a “monastic robe” for the rainy season and a “full royal outfit” for cool weather. After the construction of the temple, a third “new thing” was added to them - a light “royal robe” for the hot season. Now the Buddha's dressing ceremony, which takes place three times a year, is a solemn ritual performed personally by the reigning king, after which he sprinkles holy water on the princes and courtiers watching him from the hall. IN last years The common people rejoice, because now they too receive a blessing from the royal hand, but outside the Initiation Hall.

However, on ordinary days anyone can visit the temple - there are always enough believers, curious people and tourists who either pray or bring gifts and offerings to Buddha, which they then put at the foot of the throne; and some simply admire the iridescent green statue, as if floating in the twilight of the temple in the thick aromas of incense and reflections of gold. Thais believe that the image of Buddha has magical powers and can heal the soul and body, fulfill cherished wish or create a real miracle.

Can an ordinary piece of green mineral of unknown origin really work miracles, or is all this just an ancient superstition?.. It seems that the answer to this question, which would put an end to the eternal disputes between atheists and mystics, simply does not exist - after all, to To feel the impact of magic, you must first believe in it. And one of the most simple ways to believe in a miracle - just enter the ancient temple and look into the ancient eyes of an elegant figure made of shining emerald green mineral - dispassionate and wise, hiding the incomprehensible secrets of existence behind the veil of centuries.