An incredible wooden structure, the Sanctuary of Truth, can be found in North Pattaya, steps away from the beach. It has been more than 20 years since construction on the building began, and it may take another 15 years before it is completed.
Hand-made wood carvings:
The Sanctuary of Truth is entirely constructed out of wood, and every intricate carving on its interior was carried out by hand. Every day, many woodcarvers work hard, fashioning various sculptures out of wood.
The enormous structure rises to a height of more than one hundred meters. The Sanctuary of Truth, also known as Prasat Satchatham or Prasat Sut Ja-Tum, currently needs to be utilized as a religious building in any capacity. Rachvate Cape in North Pattaya, which overlooks the water, is constructed on a plot of land close to one acre in size.
Architecture inspired by Buddhist & Hindu beliefs
Buddhism and Hinduism both played a role in influencing the design of buildings. Each of the four corners has a tower adorned with figurines representing various beliefs and tales from Thailand, Cambodia, India, and China.
The Thai businessman Khun Lek Viriyaphant, who was mainly concerned with the preservation of Thai culture and history, is the one who came up with the idea for The Sanctuary of Truth. In addition, he was responsible for constructing the Erawan Museum and the Ancient City of Muang Boran, both of which are found in the province of Samut Prakan, which is close to Bangkok. In Muang Boran, you can see miniature replicas of many of the historical buildings located in Thailand.
When you visit the Sanctuary, you will be part of a tour group led by an English-speaking tour guide. This person will be able to provide you with information regarding the theories and ideas that inspired the structure. Be sure to appreciate the hand-crafted embellishments carved into the wood. The intricate wooden sculptures, carved by hand from various types of wood, are produced in the workshop by many skilled artisans.
A visit to the Sanctuary of Truth is one of the highlights of your time in Pattaya because of its serene location directly on the water, the abundance of photo opportunities, and its proximity to several of the city’s most prominent hotels.
Philosophy and concepts
The idea that human civilization was founded on theological and philosophical truths and artistic expression was one of the underlying premises of the Sanctuary.
The views of Eastern philosophy, as well as Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, can be expressed through the usage of wooden art. A number of the carvings depict episodes from the ancient Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. These images relate stories about the struggle between good and evil, as well as between knowledge and ignorance.
Ancient Eastern teachings, such as the notion that worldly things are temporary, while truth, righteousness, and happiness are permanent, are conveyed through the carvings. One such teaching is the belief that material things are quick.
Location
The location of the Sanctuary of Truth is 206/2 Moo 5, Soi Naklua 12. The Sanctuary is not on any of Pattaya’s songthaew routes.
