Where did the emerald buddha come from? Emerald Buddha in Thailand Buddha Palace
If you've been to Bangkok and haven't seen the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, then you haven't been to Bangkok! It's like coming to Moscow and not getting to Red Square. The comparison, by the way, is quite correct - the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok also occupies a large area. True, there is one important difference - for foreigners, entrance to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is not cheap.
We first visited the Temple of the Emerald Buddha when we came to celebrate New Year in Bangkok. It was located near our hotel Villa Guesthouse, and it could be reached on foot. I’ll tell you even more - we got to Wat Phra Kaew on December 31, the last day of the outgoing year.
Remember the saying “If you don’t sin, you won’t repent”? So, no sooner had we entered the Temple of the Emerald Buddha than we immediately began to sin (against the system). How? Very simple: by photographing the Emerald Buddha himself. It is prohibited to photograph it, so temple employees constantly nod at photographers trying to capture the main shrine of Thailand. But if you have not yet entered the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (or have just left it), then the figurine can be easily photographed from the street through the large window by the door. Which is exactly what we did. After which they took off their shoes and went inside, cleansed of sin.
Of course, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok is rightfully considered the most beautiful temple complex in Thailand. But isn't it too expensive - 500 baht per ticket for foreigners? Thais, by the way, enter the territory of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha for free.
Photo of the Emerald Buddha, which should not be photographed.
Why is the ticket to Wat Phra Kaew so expensive?
By purchasing a ticket to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, you get the right to see not only yourself temple complex Wat Phra Kaew with all these architectural masterpieces, statues and other beauty shimmering in the sun. With a ticket to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, you can also admire the Grand Royal Palace. And with the same ticket, for a week you can enjoy views of the Vimanmek teak palace, the Ananta and Abhisek throne rooms, and also go to an exhibition of coins and something else there.
On the other hand, everything is known through comparison. And 500 baht costs a ticket not only to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, but also to the Temple of Truth in Pattaya. And where is the price inflated in this case?
But be that as it may, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the main attractions of Thailand, mandatory place to visit in Bangkok! Brilliant Buddhist temples and majestic palaces, masterfully executed statues of demons, animals and birds, a beautiful park in a well-groomed area... You can safely spend the first half of the day at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha so that you can take a leisurely stroll and feel all the charm of this amazing place. That’s why it’s better to go to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on your own.
Just remember the dress code: no bare shoulders, short skirts or shorts. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is not only a beautiful place, but also a sacred place. You will definitely feel it.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha: a selection of the best photos
Our virtual tour to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha starts from the very gate, where the first test awaits us - we need to squeeze through this crowd!
The most beautiful photos The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is obtained from this point, which is located even before the ticket office. So you don’t have to go any further! Joke.
: stern guards closely monitor order.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok: this photo is unique in that you can’t even count a measly one and a half thousand tourists in the frame.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok: golden domes.
Thai tourists don't make noise, don't ask passers-by to take pictures of themselves, and don't exist.
In Thailand street food can be found at every step. And the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is no exception.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha: golden domes. Yes, again.
If you go left, you will find the Great Royal Palace. If you go to the right, you will go to the toilet.
We went left and the path led us to the Royal Palace. And not just us.
On the territory of the complex there is not only the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, but also a palace built in the European style. Tourists were not allowed there; the photo was taken through the bars.
Anyone who has been to Thailand knows how many street dogs there are. Even the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok cannot do without them.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Royal Palace in Bangkok.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, our information
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew, วัดพระศรีรัตนศาสดาราม) was built in the late 18th century. This is the main one Buddhist temple Bangkok, and the entire complex of buildings around it is also called. This complex also includes the Grand Royal Palace, the former residence of Thai monarchs. Inside the main temple is kept the Emerald Buddha - a jadeite statue 66 cm high. According to some sources, it was found in one of the temples in Chiang Mai, according to others - in Chiang Rai in the 15th century. They say that twice a year the King of Thailand personally dresses up the Emerald Buddha.
How to get to Wat Phra Kaew and where to stay
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located in the very center of Bangkok, on Rattanakosin Island. Place on the map:
In 2019 (finally!) an underground MRT station called Sanam Chai opened within a 20-minute walk from the temple. You can also get to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha by ferry (Tha Chang pier), and there are also about a dozen buses from different parts of the city. Just plot the path from the point you need to the temple complex on Google Maps - they do a good job of building routes on public transport in Bangkok.
Or you can come here on foot. After all, the area of Bangkok where the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located is incredibly popular among tourists. Here great amount hotels - both cheap and prestigious. Here are a few good hotels in the Wat Phra Kaew area of Booking, which we can recommend.
Many tourists who vacation in Pattaya visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as part of the “Historic Bangkok” tour. You can book this excursion at our agency. Descriptions of all programs and prices are in our price list.
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 the 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 different high level 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 donated by the Indian ruler Ashoka, who was the first to adopt Buddhism in the region South-East Asia. 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 a 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 Thai southern city Nakhon Si Thammarat, from where she was later transported to Chiang Rai, where she found her refuge until the 15th century.
The guardians knew that the inconspicuous figurine kept great history, and treated her like 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 elsewhere, are covered in bright tiles with orange, green and yellow colors that stand out. 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 try for a long time to get used to it and find it among all the bright and iridescent beauty. interior decoration the 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 precious stones.
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 it 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 neighboring state 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 historical center Bangkok.
Royal Palace Map
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the main temple of 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 rich green jadente, 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.
There is a mysterious story associated with the Buddha statue, which is told in several versions. The first mention of the statue dates back to 1434-1436. A Buddhist stupa was struck by lightning, causing it to split and 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; golden pagoda(stupa) where the bone of Buddha 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 Yaksha 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, 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 a cash deposit for the duration of the rental. During rush hour, clothes may not be available. In this case, you need to reach shopping arcades(if you look at the map of the complex, then in the lower left corner) and merchants will offer 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. Admission ticket gives the right 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).
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 are not last place- starting with mythical artifacts like the agate cup of the Holy Grail and the carnelian ring of the prophet Mohammed and ending with 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 owned the Buddha in front of its face. this moment. 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 rediscovered, 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 is capable of healing the soul and body, fulfilling a cherished desire or creating 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.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the main attractions of the Grand Royal Palace, which was once the property of the king and his family, and today has become the property of the people of Thailand.
This temple was built as an integral part of the Palace and used to be the sanctum sanctorum of the royal family. Only the most noble people and those closest to the monarch had the right to come here. And now no one can enter from the front entrance except them.
This temple houses the Emerald Buddha, before which every new Thai king takes an oath of allegiance to his people upon ascending the throne. This royal tradition began with Rama I and remains unchanged until the present day.
Only the King of Thailand can touch Buddha. And only he or the crown prince is allowed to wipe the dust from it. Everyone else is prohibited from touching the statue; this is regarded as sacrilege.
In addition, three times a year the king dresses the Buddha in various gold-embroidered clothes. It is believed that this ritual should bring prosperity and well-being to the people of the country, and power to its state and monarch.
This small statue depicting Buddha in the lotus position is slightly less than 70 cm in height. Experts cannot determine what stone it is made of: emerald or jade. They also do not know the time, place and author who created this masterpiece.
In Thailand, there are several well-established legends about who made the statue:
1) master Ashoka, who ruled in India in the 3rd century BC;
2) ancient Greek masters;
3) angels in heaven, who then brought her down to earth.
And the statue was found in the middle of the 15th century by Buddhist monks who saw how lightning struck the old wat and it collapsed. They ran to the ruins of the temple and among them they found a completely intact Emerald Buddha.
Until the 18th century, it traveled from country to country until it fell into the hands of Rama I and became the symbol and talisman of all of Thailand. Almost all Thais sincerely believe that it is this Buddha who protects them from grief and misfortune.
After finding the shrine, Rama I ordered the construction of the best Buddhist temple in which this relic could be kept. This is how the world famous Wat Phra Kaew appeared in the 18th century near the Royal Palace.
What else is interesting in the temple?
Wat Phra Kaew was built with careful observance of all Thai and Buddhist traditions. It is a temple complex surrounded on all sides by a wall and covering an area of almost 100 hectares.
There is a mausoleum or pantheon where the ashes of the royal family are kept, a golden pagoda that preserves the bone of the Buddha himself, and also a library. On the territory there are small lakes overgrown with white lotus.
In addition, around the temple there are figurines of creatures, heroes of Buddhist and Hindu Holy Books: demons, the monkey king, bird people, etc. There is also a copy of one famous temple from Cambodia.
You will probably notice that the wat has many domes covered with gold, and on its roofs there are statues depicting the heads of snakes that scare away evil otherworldly forces from this sacred place.
The entrance to the temple is guarded by 12 bronze lions. On the ancient doors, installed during the reign of Rama I, paintings from the Holy Books are painted, and the interior walls are painted with episodes from the earthly life of the Buddha, detailing his path to enlightenment.
Note also the two tall bronze statues depicting Buddha wearing a crown with precious stones. It is clear that he is in complete peace and has finally reached his nirvana.
It is worth noting that every Thai king necessarily contributed to the arrangement and decoration of this temple. Major repairs are periodically carried out here, new structures are built, and religious objects are brought in.
How to get here?
The temple is located in the Old Town or Rattanakosin. Near it stands the Great Royal Palace. These are two of Bangkok's most important attractions, so it's hard not to find them.