Amazing Facts of Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok Thailand
It is the Indian connection of the Emerald Buddha that made me put Temple of Emerald Buddha in the must see list of Bangkok.
Emerald Buddha Temple is also known by the names: Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram.
This temple, considered the Mecca of the Buddhists is located in the Grand Palace Bangkok. So beautiful is the architecture with golden spires and glittering mosaics that it is easy to get lost admiring the details in the 98.5 hectares grounds of Grand Palace.
After touring Phra Mondop we visited Temple of Emerald Buddha.
Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew: Facts
- The idol of Emerald Buddha is 66 cm tall and 48.3 cm wide at the lap. It is dark green in color and we saw it wrapped in a golden robe.
- We were told the idol is wrapped in three different costumes at the start of the three seasons the rainy, the winter and the summer. Since it was the rainy season the idol was wrapped in golden robe.
- The King of Thailand is the only privileged person in the country to carry out this duty of changing costumes. Actual material of the idol is probably jasper quartz or nephrite jade and not emerald.
- Locals believe that Emerald Buddha watches over the Thai nation. Power of Emerald Buddha gives legitimacy to the king and protection to nation.
- The stone used to make this is jasper, a grayish green ornamental gem material, and not emerald. Use of emerald in the name signifies the color and the stone.
History of Emerald Buddha Temple Bangkok
King Rama I (ruled from 1782-1809 CE) considered Emerald Buddha to be very important. He moved Thailand’s capital from Ayutthaya to Bangkok and built a special wat and palace to provide the figurine with a permanent home.
I found the history of this enigmatic green idol of Emerald Buddha very interesting. There are 2 versions of its origin.
Indian connection to Emerald Buddha
Wiki mentions: The Emerald Buddha was created in India in 43 BC by Nagasena in the city of Pataliputra (today Patna in Bihar, India). The legends state that after remaining in Pataliputra for three hundred years, it was taken to Sri Lanka to save it from a civil war.
In 457, King Anuruth of Burma sent a mission to Ceylon to ask for Buddhist scriptures and the Emerald Buddha, in order to support Buddhism in his country. These requests were granted, but the ship lost its way in a storm during the return voyage and landed in Cambodia.
When the Thais captured Angkor Wat in 1432 (following the ravage of the bubonic plague), the Emerald Buddha was taken to Ayutthaya, Kamphaeng Phet, Laos and finally Chiang Rai, where the ruler of the city hid it.
This it seems is a legend. The mudra (hand gestures with a religious meaning) of the idol resembles the images of Buddha in Southern India and Sri Lanka. This is the one fact that adds some credibility to the legend.
Yet another legend…
Historians have a different story. Records mention, the idol is believed to have been carved in Northern Thailand not earlier than fifteenth century.
According to reliable chronicles: The Emerald Buddha first appeared in 15th century in Chiang Rai and based on its style it seems to be from the Chiang Saen period. It is said that lightning struck the pagoda of a temple in Chiang Rai in northern Thailand and a Buddha image covered with stucco was found inside the temple. The statue was left with the abbot of the temple who removed the stucco and found the Emerald Buddha under it.
Ubosoth in Wat Phra Kaew
The main building of the temple where statue of the Emerald Buddha is housed is known as Ubosoth.
Inside Ubosoth, the idol was placed high up on a pedestal and photography is not allowed from inside. So one has to position himself/herself outside and zoom in to the image over the heads of the worshipers and visitors. My shots aren’t doing actual justice in capturing the brilliance of the image, nevertheless…
One of the Yakshis (mythical giants – 5 m tall) is guarding the entrance to the temple.
Yakshi (mythical giant)
Tips to visit Emerald Buddha Temple Bangkok
- Dress appropriately to enter the temple. Men must wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and shoes; women must wear long skirts.
- You can rent appropriate clothing within the complex. If inappropriately dressed you may not be permitted to enter.
- Remove your footwear when entering the temple. It is considered as a sign of respect to Lord Buddha.
- To participate in prayers inside the temple, your feet should be neatly tucked. Never extend your legs towards the deity.
- This is the holiest temple of Buddha and you may feel like you are in the presence of divinity,
- Wat Phra Kaew is the best place to study the history of Buddhism.
Timings of Wat Phra Kaew
The Wat remains open from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm. The temple is often crowded, so it is advisable to book your tickets to visit the Emerald Buddha Temple in Grand Palace of Bangkok.
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We too went in search of the Temple fo the Emerald Buddha when we visited Bangkok. I did not know that the idol was wrapped in different costumes at different times of the year. It is always interesting to learn that there are different stories about the history of places that you visit. Thanks for sharing some tips on visiting the temple appropriately.
I have not visited Bangkok but would love to see this temple. Interesting that the costumes are changed by seasons… and that rainy is a season. The Yakshis guarding the entrance to the temple is pretty impressive too
Your tips for visiting the temple are super helpful! I never would have realized the importance of footwear or tucking your feel and certainly wouldn’t want to make any disrespectful faux paus.
Been to the Temple of Emerald Buddha but I had no idea that only king of Thailand has the privilege of changing costumes of the Emerald Buddha.
Btw, I love Thai temples and Bangkok in general. A truly fascinating city.
xoxo Milijana
Looks beautiful Indrani. Neat to see the India connection as well.
I know a friend who went here wearing inappropriate dress. She was not granted entry. The worst is it is her last day before flying to her home country. She really regret not visiting the most holy site in Thailand. It is really best to research a bit before going to a tourist spot.
Such interesting legends and history. When we were in China, the guide told at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda told us about a monk that walked for 17 years, to India and back, to learn of Buddhism and bring the information back to China. It seems like a lot of important people got their information from India. The Emerald Buddha is very pretty, especially draped with the gold. I can see why people go to this temple. I really love that they are requirements to go inside. It keeps the temple sacred.
What a fascinating place to visit. I’ve never been to Thailand so of course I’ve never seen this temple. I’m curious why you say Wat Phra Kaew is the best place to study the history of Buddhism though – can you explain a little more
When I saw the first picture of the emerald buddha i just said wow. Its so beautiful and your photos are great. Its so interesting in Bangkok.
Beautiful pictures Indrani!! I had no idea that the legends associated with the Emerald Bhudha say that it was originally from Pataliputra! I had only read about it being from Angkor. History is so interesting!!! 😀 Wish I get to see the statue myself one day ^_^
I’ve been to Bangkok many times but never taken the time to fully explore the Grand Palace. I’m glad there are still things left to explore in the Big Mango. I love the mystery surrounding the origins of the Buddha. How old is it, where did it come from? Nobody really knows. Thanks for including tips on how to behave in a Buddhist temple, the rules are very important to know and understand no matter who you are or where you’re from. Thanks for sharing.
Loved visiting the temples in Bangkok and seeing the Emerald Buddha. Amazing isn’t it that it was lost and covered in stucco once?! I can’t believe the legend about it being transported so much early on either. Fascinating and beautiful regardless.
It’s a wonderful temple with nice works.
Interesting history! And the Buddha looks grand even in this shot. 🙂
What a beautiful Buddha.. thanks for capturing it…
Since Buddishm went from India. let us blv that this Buddha too went from India…
extravagant idol with history at its longest! ^-^
the zOOm in was perfect!
Hi Indrani! The templeis fabulous, but the last time I asthere I think that pictures inside were forbidden… it's stunning, anyhow!!
Blogtrotter finished Turkey 2008 and is back to a gem in Iberia. Enjoy and have a great weekend!
I found the first picture amazing.
beautiful pictures and great writeup.
Great photography.
what a marvelous colour, the picture and the history behind the images is superb. thanks for sharing it,hope you had a lovely time in thailand
I got to see this last year! Great post for a small world, and a little Buddha.
Beautiful!! And has a legend and history suited to such a beautiful Buddha!
An amazing Photograph when enlarged! This is such an interesting post. Thank you for including the various explanations.
You have brought so many things for us from Bangkok!
Great post with very informative lines and beautiful pictures…
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Nice post. It was good to find out the history of the idol. This was one of my favorite temples in Bangkok
I love that the buddha has different costumes for different seasons.
Beautiful and lovely shots !!Great post..Unseen Rajasthan
I feel like I just took a mini vacation. Thank you. It was a lovely trip.
Nice and very informative post, Indrani! What a splendid place. Thanks for sharing!
I've never been to the Grand Palace during the rainy season. Thanks for putting in the history. I never really paid much attention to the details. I'm glad to learn that the emeral buddha was created in India. Now I won't forget that.
Very neat.
I have visited many Buddhist temple around Central Java. seems that every place has a unique 'style'
Very ornate. At least you can get a shot of it even if it is not easy.
I always like coming here I learn so much.
This was so interesting! I am glad I clicked over today. I love your name. It is beautiful!
What a magnificent story — I was absolutely fascinated. And, considering the restrictions, I think you did a great job with this shot.
amazing!!! thanks for sharing!
It is amazing the things that I learn from your posts and you always manage to take some very good photos.
I love to hear about other cultures and countries.
Nuts in May
The color of that jade is positively intoxicating.
Interestingly narrated . Re-lived my visit to the Emerald Buddha vihara. Love that first picture.
How interesting and what a fabulous place! If it's that amazing looking in photos I can only imagine how beautiful it is in real life.
wow… awesome snaps… i didnt know abt this place… i hv visited many temples in Bangkok. Thanks for posting. 🙂
that is wonderful – the photography as well as the narration!
brought back fond memories of the place. had visited it about 15years back and had taken some photographs which were all washed away in the infamous 26/7 floods in mumbai… had not started digital photography then..
Emarald Buddha!!!! Wow!!! New place to know about!!!
Pls do wish my friend a Happy B'day at Savoir-Faire
interesting story of the emerald buddha. whether it is right or not, i guess these regions were much connected in the past, than what it appears.
Thank you for the nice description and lovely pics.
I wonder why this temple is not included in the city tour that they have at Bangkok. Nice account of the temple.
I wonder why this temple is not included in the city tour that they have at Bangkok. Nice account of the temple.
Great post. Thanks for all the info with pictures!
One question still haunting me. Why is that only in India we are not allowed to take the pictures inside temples? Scared of population… i think!
Great, Indrani! lovely capture, in spite of the distance……
incidentally, we visited a few temples near Tanjore,where there are lingams made of "Maragatham" literally translated into Emerald. but i felt it looked more like Jade….. probably, Indians were unaware of the material called Jade,and hence called anything green Emerald!
Interesing and beautiful art and photos as well!
I love the culture you share with us each week!
Lots of fascinating places to vsit in angkok. I didn't get to be at Wat Phrae Kaew. Thanks for the info. yes, the King is revered highly,so the task is his.
I wasn't aware of this one – love you account of the history and the mystery!
Well you have zoomed fantastic Indrani 🙂
When i click on your pictures
I can see it really good 🙂
You have a very long zoom option on your camera 😉
Buddha Emerald is "BEAUTIFUL"
Its so amazing to see that green jade and its so funny to read about different costumes for other seasons !!
Thanks for this Unique post 🙂
Amazing art and craftsmanship. Beautiful.
Dona Nobis Pacem & Thursday Thirteen
Stunning capture, Indrani — regardless of the distance! Fascinating history! Would love to be able to see it in person, but your shot is the next best thing!
Marvelous post!
Enjoy your weekend!
Sylvia
Stunning capture, Indrani — regardless of the distance! Fascinating history! Would love to be able to see it in person, but your shot is the next best thing!
Marvelous post!
Enjoy your weekend!
Sylvia