Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Temple of Standing Buddha

Known in Thai as "Luang Pho To", Phrasiariyametri is a gigantic statue of Buddha located at Wat Intharavihan in Bangkok. It is the most gigantic standing Buddha statue with alms-bowl in hands, facing east. It is 32 meters tall and 11 meters wide.

The temple which houses several Buddhas statues and paintings is really colorful and beautiful. Devotees believe that Luang Pho To can bless everyone with success, particularly if they present the head of a mackerel fish, a boiled egg and a lei of flowers.

As with any other temples, what immediately caught my attention was the intricate architecture of the temples. The designs and carvings of the windows are really grand.

The temple also serves as a final resting place of Thais' cremated loved ones. The urns of the departed are line-up neatly at the corridor of the temple.

Just a word of caution, in all shrines and temples in Thailand you must remember to take off your shoes. Even if there isn't a sign in English, look out for other shoes left by doorways. And lastly, always observe the Thais' culture as it may be extremely different from your own. In this temple, devotees believe that Luang Pho To can bless everyone with success, particularly if they present the head of a mackerel fish, a boiled egg and a lei of flowers.

22 comments:

  1. Amazing structure. maybe even worth taking of my shoes to go inside.

    Wiley Willows Photoblog

    ReplyDelete
  2. wow, beautiful pics :)

    the first pic of the giant statue is amazing :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. thailand! amazing pics, lawstude!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Never been here. Saan banda ito? Looks interesting more than the reclining Buddha statue.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Another set of most amazing photos. And with some useful info. Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Fantastic architecture, what a beautiful building.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank You for leaving a comment in my blog so I could find this informative and photogenic blog! I find it rather amazing with so much gold, when people are starving ... or am I misinformed?

    The photos below taking during night-time is gorgeous.

    Anna-Lys
    of Sweden

    ReplyDelete
  8. @ luke wiley - they say when in rome, do as the romans do. for thais, taking shoes off in temples is a sign of respect.

    ReplyDelete
  9. @ bw - right, thd giant buddha wont even fit in the temple. amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. @ lazarus - tnx, bangkok is exotic and amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. @ kegler - believe me carlo i cant even pronounce the street moreso remember it, but i remember it was in the city center only.

    ReplyDelete
  12. @ quintarantino - tnx man.

    ReplyDelete
  13. @ daniel - i am also amazed on the details they have put on their works. so intricate yet so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  14. @ anna-lys - thais love their royalties and these royalties return favor by building beautiful temples.

    i didnt see any beggars or starving people in bangkok. there are lots of monks who ask for alms but giving is on a voluntary basis.

    ReplyDelete
  15. @ uma por dia - there are lots of differen buddhas in bangkok. and with different positions and expressions (standing, reclining, lying, smiling, golden etc). i gather that this one is quite old.

    ReplyDelete
  16. @ richard - hello. welcome back bro.

    ReplyDelete
  17. These are some great pics. I am fascinated with the architecture of shrines and temples. Beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Amazing structure. Thailand is a nice spot definitely.

    (:

    ReplyDelete
  19. @ rochelle - i couldn't agree more.

    ReplyDelete
  20. @ kyels - and i would never hesitate given another chance to come back there. such warm people.

    ReplyDelete