Wat Po (Wat Pho) or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is ten to 15 minutes away from The Grand Palace by foot. It is a Buddhist complex that houses the largest collection of Buddha images at around 400. Also, it is home to the 46-meter long Reclining Buddha.
Visitors are greeted at the entrance of Wat Po complex by a couple of Chinese guardian figures that are thrice my size. The gate makes way to a Chinese-themed temple garden whose focal point is a Bodhi tree. This Bodhi tree is surrounded by several Chinese images, some of them in yoga poses. There are benches and mini-falls to soothe the weary limbs of the tourists who have been walking for hours (from the Grand Palace or elsewhere).
Wat Po stupas or chedis. Wat Po has 91 chedis. They are different in height, style, color, and significance. Some of the chedis are depository of the ashes of former kings of Thailand.
Some of the standing Buddha images found in Phra Rabiang. These Buddha images were chosen from 1200 brought by King Rama I from Northern Thailand.
Monument of Buddha. Buddha is sitting under a seven-headed naga or snake and in meditation. I got lost within the complex, so I followed a group of Europeans inside a temple and found him.
The Reclining Buddha is inside a chapel. The chapel has high ceiling and has minimal objects inside to accommodate the 46-meter long and 15-meter high Reclining Buddha. With people jostling for position and the sheer size of the Reclining Buddha makes it hard to take photos of it in its entirety. I tried. 🙂
The soles of the Reclining Buddha’s feet are 3-meter high and 4.5-meter long. They contain symbols that are synonymous with Buddha.
The Reclining Buddha and I. The blue bag on my left shoulder was provided by the people at the entrance of the chapel to hold my shoes during my stay inside.
Some of the 108 bronze bowls that signify the 108 auspicious traits of Buddha. The 108 bronze bowls line the walls of the chapel where the Reclining Buddha is. Visitors pay for a small bowl with coins and place the coins inside the bronze bowls (I think after making some noise with the coins). I think once the bowls are full, the money is given to the Buddhist monks.
Visitors have to enter the chapel barefoot. Bags are provided for the footwear so the visitors do not have to leave their shoes or sandals at the main door.
In less of one month I will see it with my own eyes :). Thank you Rose for the information 😉 I can’t wait to visit Bangkok after reading your posts.
You’re welcome, Juan! 🙂 It is my pleasure to share with you (and others) the places I have visited. I hope that you will enjoy Bangkok and the rest of Thailand as much as I did. Eat as much as you can!!! I will wait for your feedback once you have finished your trip.
I was wondering why the buddha has to be in reclined position. Because the buddha usually are in sitting or standing position.
I do not know why the Buddha is reclining, but I have to agree with you that majority of the Buddha images I have seen are in sitting or standing position. Regardless of its position, it is one impressive Buddha. 🙂