Before drafting my travel plan to Bangkok, I not really aware on the existence of Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn. I just know that Bangkok has many temples. However, when I started to compile the tourist information for my trip to Bangkok, then I got to know about the Wat Arun. After the first impression though the photo share in website, I talked to myself not to miss out this attraction for whatever reason.
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| Wat Arun - photo taken on Chao Phraya River |
The easier way to Wat Arun is through taking the water transport. At the Tha Tien Pier (opposite Wat Arun and close to Wat Pho), there are express boat ply in between at high frequency. The boat trip would take around 5 to 10 minutes while cost only 3 Baht per passenger.
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| Express Boat Ply Betweeb Tha Tien Pier and Wat Arun Pier (3 Baht per trip) |
I believe most of the visitors like me who travelled with express boat on Chao Phraya river would be amazed by Wat Arun or more accurate as Wat Arun Ratchavararam, which majestically sitting at the river side, become landmark and the only major tourist attraction on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. According to the information, the Emerald Buddha was previously housed in Wat Arun before it was moved to Wat Phra Kaew that within The Grand Palace today.
When we reached the pier and walked for few steps, we saw the signboard below.
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| Signboard |
We decided to go to the Ordination Hall before visiting the Phra Prang. Guess what we seen? The Yaksha that similar to those in Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha). The two demons are having their own name. The white on the right is named as Sahassa Decha while the green on the left is named as Thosakan(Ravana).
The Ordination Hall was build during the time of King Rama II. Phra Wihan Khot (Gallery or Cloister) was built around the Ordination Hall, with brick and mortar, and roof with ceramic tiles.
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| Phra Wihan Khot |
Inside the gallery, there are rows of Buddha image but in the style of Subduring Mara (right hand over the knee, while left hand remains on lap and palm up).
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| Buddha Image in the style of Subdurng Mara |
Surprisingly there are stone statues in traditional Chinese costume that appeared on the bottom part of the small pagoda.
Here is the Ordination Hall...and it is surrounded by the stone lions.
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| The Ordination Hall |
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| The stone lions are surrounding The Ordination Hall. |
Due to time limitation, we were not enter the hall. But it is said that the hall is housing Niramitr Buddha image that cast in the reign of King Rama II. The face of the Buddha imgae is said being moulded by King Rama II.
After visited the Ordination Hall, we made our move to the Phra Prang. Stay tune with me for the
Part II. Enjoy!!
Related Post
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Part II - Bangkok 2013
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) - Bangkok 2013
The Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Part I - Bangkok 2013
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