9 Sacred Sites in Bangkok Temple As an Auspicious Activity That Grants Them Happiness and Good Luck

The 9 Sacred Sites Buddhists in Thailand pay homage at the temple or ‘wat’ as they believe it is a way to make merit. They consider paying homage to the principal Buddha image or to the main Chedi of the 9 Sacred Sites in Bangkok temple as an auspicious activity that grants them happiness and good luck. The number nine is considered auspicious because it is pronounced as ‘kao,’ similar to the word meaning ‘to progress’ or ‘to step forward.’ Therefore it is believed that a visit to nine sacred temples in one day gives the worshippers prosperity and good luck. The nine sacred temples in Bangkok are of significant value as they are royal temples and convenient for worshippers as they are located close to each other in the heart of Bangkok. Wat Saket Printed in Thailand by Promotional Material Production Division, Marketing Services Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand for free distribution. www.tourismthailand.org E/JUL 2017 The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice. The 9 Sacred Sites Buddhists in Thailand pay homage at the temple or ‘wat’ as they believe it is a way to make merit. They consider paying homage to the principal Buddha image or to the main Chedi of the 9 Sacred Sites in Bangkok temple as an auspicious activity that grants them happiness and good luck. The number nine is considered auspicious because it is pronounced as ‘kao,’ similar to the word meaning ‘to progress’ or ‘to step forward.’ Therefore it is believed that a visit to nine sacred temples in one day gives the worshippers prosperity and good luck. The nine sacred temples in Bangkok are of significant value as they are royal temples and convenient for worshippers as they are located close to each other in the heart of Bangkok. Wat Saket Printed in Thailand by Promotional Material Production Division, Marketing Services Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand for free distribution. www.tourismthailand.org E/JUL 2017 The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice. The 9 Sacred Sites Buddhists in Thailand pay homage at the temple or ‘wat’ as they believe it is a way to make merit. They consider paying homage to the principal Buddha image or to the main Chedi of the 9 Sacred Sites in Bangkok temple as an auspicious activity that grants them happiness and good luck. The number nine is considered auspicious because it is pronounced as ‘kao,’ similar to the word meaning ‘to progress’ or ‘to step forward.’ Therefore it is believed that a visit to nine sacred temples in one day gives the worshippers prosperity and good luck. The nine sacred temples in Bangkok are of significant value as they are royal temples and convenient for worshippers as they are located close to each other in the heart of Bangkok. Wat Saket Printed in Thailand by Promotional Material Production Division, Marketing Services Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand for free distribution. www.tourismthailand.org E/JUL 2017 The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice. Wat Suthat Construction of this temple began in the reign of King Rama I and was completed in the reign of King Rama II. The temple features the tallest wihan and the longest Ubosot in Thailand. The carving on the front door of the wihan is a replica of beautiful work created by King Rama II, the original of which is kept at the National Museum. Highlight: Making merit at this temple and paying homage to the principal Buddha image, a 14th century Buddha image from Sukhothai named Phra Si Sakkayamuni, makes the worshipper a leader with vision. Location: At the intersection of Bamrung Mueang Road and Ti Thong Road, near Sao Ching Cha (the Giant Swing) Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Wat Chana Songkhram This temple was given the name “Wat Chana Songkhram,” meaning ‘Temple of Victory in War,’ by King Rama I after a ceremony performed at the temple following a victory at the famous Battle of the Nine Armies as well as the other two important battles. Located within the compound of the temple is the monument of King Rama I’s younger brother, who fought alongside the King in battles. Highlight: ‘Phra Phutthanorasi Trilokkachet,’ measuring 2.5 metres in width and 3.5 metres in height, was cast during the reign of King Rama I. Making merit at this Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) Wat Bowonniwet Wihan temple and paying homage to this principal Buddha image makes worshippers conquer all obstacles. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) Location: Chakkraphong Road, near Khao San Road Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) Wat Saket (The Golden Mount) Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Wat Chana Songkhram This temple is the most famous landmark of Bangkok and was This temple was built in the Ayutthaya period, but Wat Kanlayanamit built during the reign of King Rama I to house the Emerald the construction of the Golden Mount, an artificial Buddha, Thailand’s most valuable and sacred Buddha image. hill topped by a 100-metre tall gilded pagoda housing Located within the Kudi Chin community, this temple The beautiful mural painting on the walls surrounding the the Lord Buddha’s relics, started during the reign of was built in 1825 as the local residence for King Rama ubosot depicts the Ramakian, Thailand’s national story based King Rama III and was completed in the reign of King III. Its Chinese influence is reflected in the architecture of the temple. Housing the biggest bell in Thailand, the on the Indian Ramayana epic. Guarding each of the gates of Rama V. The 320 stairs leading to the top of the Golden Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) temple also features beautiful mural paintings within the balcony are 12 Yakshas, giant demons measuring 6 metres Mount offers a panoramic view of Rattanakosin Island. the ubosot depicting the life of the Lord Buddha and in height. Highlight: The principal Buddha image housed in the way of life during the King Rama III period. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Highlight: It is believed that those who come to pay respect to the wihan is believed to grant worshipper auspicious Highlight: The Buddha image, ‘Luang Pho To,’ enshrined the Emerald Buddha, made of green jadeite, are granted endless This temple was promoted as the royal temple by King Taksin under the name ‘Wat Chaeng,’ (meaning ‘bright’) as he vision. There is an annual festival every November in the wihan, is believed to bless worshippers with lasting wealth and prosperity. arrived at this temple after defeating the Burmese at dawn. King Rama II gave this temple a new name, ‘Wat Arun that involves a beautiful candlelight procession up friendship and a safe journey. Location: Within the Grand Palace compound on Na Phra the Golden Mount. Ratchatharam,’ and King Rama IV later renamed it ‘Wat Arun Ratchawararam.’ It is commonly known as ‘Wat Arun’ or the Location: Thetsaban Sai 1 Road, by the Chao Phraya River ‘Temple of Dawn.’ It has a magnificent 81.85 metre tall Khmer-style Prang (tower) decorated with porcelain from China Lan Road Location: Boriphat Road, not far from the Democracy in Thon Buri district and 4 smaller prangs surrounding it. Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. Monument Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Highlight: It is believed that those who make merit at this temple and pay homage to the principal Buddha image have Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) Wat Rakhang a glorious life like the rising sun. Wat Bowonniwet Wihan Location: Arun Amarin Road, on the west side of the Chao Phraya River Originally called Wat Photharam, the construction of this temple An ancient bell was discovered at this temple during the Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. began in the Ayutthaya period. King Rama III renovated Wat Built in 1829, this temple is where several kings, King Rama I period and was moved to Wat Phra Kaeo Pho into the centre of education and art, making it Thailand’s including H.M. King Bhumibol, resided during their and five bells were installed as its replacement, giving first university. Registered with UNESCO’s Memory of the World monkhood. The first chief abbot of this temple was this temple the name “Wat Rakhang” or ‘Temple of Bells.’ (MOW), the historic marble inscriptions illustrate much valuable King Rama IV, and the current chief abbot was appointed Apart from the Bell Tower, which houses the 5 bells, wisdom, including Buddhist precepts, literary works on the Supreme Patriarch. The architectural style of this and the Tripitaka Hall containing scripture bookcases, Things to remember while visiting the sacred places traditional medicine and herbs, and hermits’ illustrations of temple is a perfect combination of Thai, Chinese, and the temple also displays murals painted by renowned Buddhist temples are places of worship on holy ground, thus it is important that visitors respect the following temple traditional Yoga postures. Apart from the giants guarding the Western art. The ancient mural paintings inside the artists of the King Rama VI period. etiquette: gate, Wat Pho is famous for its traditional Thai massage and wihan feature beautiful artwork by a noted artist who Highlight: People come to pay homage to the principal meditation centre. adapted Western style drawings to Thai art.

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