Phra Mondop in Grand Palace Complex, Bangkok
The Grand Palace of Bangkok, a huge complex of 98.5 hectares, is unforgettable place because of the various mesmerizing visual delights. Each ornate building there competes for attention and focus of your lens; however I feel the Phra Mondop in Grand Palace of Bangkok is the most beautiful of all of them.
Phra Mondop in Thai Grand Palace
Built by King Rama I, it houses the Royal Golden Edition of Buddhist Cannon inscribed in palm leaves, enclosed in a mother of pearl cabinet. There are a number of Buddhist publications and ancient literature. They belong to the Rattanakosin Era.
The original Canonical Library was surrounded by water to prevent damage to the manuscripts by fire and termites. Ironically, the original building was destroyed by fire on the day of its inauguration caused by fireworks.
King Rama I then rebuilt it and placed the precious holy scripts in his new structure. This building is closed to public, and I stood wondering if the exteriors are so captivating, how much more beautiful the interiors would be! The floor of the Phra Mondop, I read, is lined from wall to wall by a woven mat from strips of pure silver. That must be truly a precious sight to behold!
Phra Mondop Grand Palace Bangkok – This golden building holds the Canon of Buddha, sacred scriptures written on palm leaf.
Sixteen twelve cornered columns support the intricate multi-tier roof.
Facade of Phra Mondop is covered with tiny green and gold glass mosaics. Looking closely I saw the glittering walls were covered in green mirrored tiles inlaid with gold medallions depicting Buddha. A gilt spire caps the amazing building.
At the four corners of Phra Mondop are stone Buddhas carved in ninth century Javanese style.
Javanese style stone Buddha
A pair of guardian angels, each slightly different from the other guard the four entrances to the building.
Saddest part is the building remains closed to public. We couldn’t get even a peek of the sacred texts. Nevertheless it is worth a halt and a great place for instagrammable pictures. If ever you are there in Bangkok and you can outsmart the Tuk Tuk drivers, do visit this Grand Palace.
Pin this for later
(Updated post. This was published first on Nov 12th, 2009.)
Simply wow!
Keep on travelling Indrani…I am sure we are going to get more and more interesting posts from you..
Thanks for sharing:)
Beautiful photos, have a nice day Radka.
reliving thailand through yr posts..catchg up on a lot of readg
Loved to re-visit this one! The angels are awesome!!
simply beautiful
Looks gorgeous and magnificent. Very well written.
The columns and their textures travelled all the way to heaven.
Magnificent! As you said, if the exterior is this grand, how beautiful the interior would be!
🙂
fascinating stuff – I recommend you to start writing a short book – an Indians view of the travelers world, India and abroad…
Lovely. The magnificence of the structures and the way they are maintained is something to be really appreciated.
Interesting info about the Canonical Library.
just mind blowing art…. and ur capture too….
keep going
Marvel structures and beams look majestic! very nice details on the wall.
Great pictures! i love what you teach us each week.
It has always struck me that man can build such tall, ornate, heavenly structures… and yet seems unable to excel at social justice.
Stunningly ornate. Always a treat to visit you.
Wow!!
Its beautiful there
those walls are UNIQUE 🙂
Its all masterpiece work.
Thanks for showing us the beauty from Bangkok.
(You had a wonderful vacation,
I think you have taken many photos.
🙂
Hugs from us
Kareltje =^.^=
Anya 🙂
Looks really regal !
Its a marvel, a glorious peice of art revealed in the best way. Fantastic pics , particularly the golden medallions and the tiles on walls are beautiful.
Wow! what a building. It’s such a treat playing this meme with you every week. I have a little something for you today.
I saw the pictures with my jaws dropped down.What a work of art.But how heartless were those kings to make such fine palaces for them and let the common man to suffer.
The first pic reminds me of Brocade silk saree…
Nice to know about this place.. Its all so golden…
Poetry in Stones Part Two at My Travelogue, Savoir-Faire
fantastic artwork!!!
I saw the photos in larger size and they look so intricate.
Nice angles there.
oh yes, I loved visiting this mandap. It certainly redefines ornate.
just too beautiful!!!
gorgeous! i love the intricate golden detail
Looks very impressive. You worked some nice angles.
It certainly commanded your focus and attention. Such devotion and artistry of the artisans.
Wow!
Thursday Thirteen – Me & Music