The temple of the Reclining Buddha

Thailand has been one of my favourite holiday destinations. Every visit that I have had had given me more insight about its extraordinary culture and people. Their hospitality and attitude has always impressed me. On most of my visits, I could not resist visiting the famous Wat Pho or the Reclining Buddha temple at the old Rattanakosin area, adjoining the Grand Palace.
Officially, the name given to this temple is “Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram” and this temple

is one of the top royal temples in Thailand. After King Rama I (Phraphutthayotfa Chulalok) founded Bangkok in 1782, the construction of this temple began. It was during the reign of King Rama III that the temple complex was renovated and enlarged.

The temple is famous for its enormous gold plated reclining Buddha image that was built during the reign of King Rama III (Nangklao) in the year 1832. The image is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. The soles of the Buddha’s feet that are about 3 meters high and almost 5 meters long which are studded with pearls. It shows the detail of the 108 lakshanas or auspicious characteristics of the Buddha. Along the Phra Phuttha Saiyat image you will find a matching 108 bronze bowls where you can donate. In a small garden next to the reclining Buddha, you will find a Bodhi tree that is a descendant of the Bodhi tree from Bodhgaya in India where Buddha reached enlightenment.

The most sacred part of the temple houses the principal Buddha image of the Wat Pho, a magnificent seated image displaying a meditation posture on a richly decorated pedestal. Paintings dating from the reign of Rama III depict scenes from the Jātakas, telling stories about the previous lives of Buddha, in both human and animal form.


The temple is also considered the first public university of Thailand. This temple of Wat Pho became a centre for knowledge and study about traditional Thai medicine. The Wat Pho is known as the birthplace of Thai massage where various massage courses are taught. The temple is home to one of the earliest Thai Massage schools.

Bangkok has always been welcoming for tourist and whenever you are there make sure you visit this glorious temple.

Be a Traveller!