18 May, 2008

Phra Maha Suwanpatimagorn Postcard

Phra Maha Suwanpatimagorn or Sukhothai Trimitr golden Buddha image is the largest golden Buddha image in the world. It is a Buddha image in the mara conquering attitude. It is made of pure gold, measuring 12 feet 5 inches in diameter and has a height of 15 feet 9 inches from the base to the crown and it weighs approximately 5 tons.

Phra Maha Suwanpatimagorn Postcard(Bought by my sister during her visit to Bangkok)

Originally, this golden Buddha image was completely covered with plaster to conceal it from the enemy then invading Thailand and was installed as the principal Buddha image in the main temple building of Choti-naram Temple or Wat Phrayakrai. The Ecclesiastical Commission then move this golden Buddha image to the Trimitr Witthayaram Temple where it now remains, discovering in 1955 that it was made of pure gold.

SOURCE:
Phra Maha Suwanpatimagorn

17 May, 2008

Wat Ratchanaddaram Postcard

Wat Ratchanaddaram, a Buddhist temple which means Royal Niece, was built to the order of King Nangklao (Rama III) for Mom Chao Ying Sommanus Wattanavadi in 1846.

Wat Ratchanaddaram Postcard(Bought by my sister during her visit to Bangkok)

The temple is best known for the Loha Prasat, a one of a kind in structure Thailand. The pagoda is a replica of the Loha Prasat built in India. It is 36 m high and has 37 metal spires, signifying the 37 virtues toward enlightenment. In 2005, the temple was submitted to UNESCO for consideration as a future World Heritage Site.

SOURCE:
Wat Ratchanadda Wikipedia Entry

16 May, 2008

Wat Phra Yai Postcard

Wat Phra Yai was constructed in 1977 and is the site of the biggest Buddha image named 'Phra Phuttha Sukothai Walaichonlatham', which is enshrined here. Because the image is visible from much of Pattaya, it gives Buddha Hill its name.

Wat Phra Yai Postcard(Bought by my sister during her visit to Bangkok)

SOURCE:
Pattaya Attractions: Wat Phra Yai

15 May, 2008

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Postcard

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as Doi Suthep although this is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. Within the site are pagodas, statues, bells and shrines.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Postcard(Bought by my sister during her visit to Bangkok)

Aspects of the Wat draw from both Buddhism and Hinduism. There is a model of the Emerald Buddha and a statue of the Hindu God Ganesh. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a place of reverence and worship, was established by King Kuena in the year B/E 1916.

SOURCE:
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Wikipedia Entry

14 May, 2008

Wat Arun Postcards

Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn, perhaps so named because the first light of morning is reflected off the surface of the temple with a pearly iridescence) is a buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand.

Wat Arun Postcard 1(Bought by my sister during her visit to Bangkok)

The outstanding feature of Wat Arun is its central prang (Khmer-style tower). Steep steps lead to the two terraces. The corners are surrounded by 4 smaller satellite prangs. The prangs are decorated by seashells and bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China. Around the base of the prangs are various figures of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals. Over the second terrace are four statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on Erawan.

Wat Arun Postcard 2