Temple of the Emerald Buddha (The Chapel Royal) (2/5/2019)

The sacred water for use in the Coronation of King X, as well as the Royal Golden Plaque of the official title of His Majesty the King, the Royal Golden Plaque of His Majestys horoscope, and the Royal Seal of State, have been kept at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. They will be transferred to the for the coronation ceremony.

Commonly referred to as Wat Phra Kaeo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (The Chapel Royal) is the most revered royal temple in . It serves as the royal chapel and houses the Emerald Buddha, Thailands most revered Buddha image.

King had this temple built within the compound of the Grand Palace, when he founded Rattanakosin, or , as the royal capital in 1782. He intended to recreate the lost splendor of Ayutthaya, which was the Thai capital for 417 years before being destroyed in 1767. The Royal Palace of Ayutthaya had the Royal Chapel within its precincts, and King Rama I followed the tradition of the old capital.

This temple consists of many significant structures and artifacts built by gifted craftsmen at the command of Chakri kings. During the history of Bangkok, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha underwent several renovations.

It is the venue for royal and religious ceremonies. The reigning monarch performs the ritual change of the Emerald Buddhas seasonal attire three times annually.

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Inside the ubosot (main assembly hall), the Emerald Buddha is seated on a busabok throne made of carved wood. King Rama I intended to established the royal chapel to enshrine the Emerald Buddha.

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