The Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) is a Buddhist temple of 80,000 m2, 700 meters south of the Grand Palace. The temple complex houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, including the world-famous 46-meter-long gilded reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and is considered the tallest first-class royal temple. It was originally called Wat Photharam about the Bodhi Monastery. Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, where Buddha became enlightened. It existed before King Rama I established Bangkok as his capital in 1782. He expanded and rebuilt the temple complex on an earlier temple site, which became his most important temple. Even anchored there.
Later, King Rama III (1787–1851) enlarged and renovated the temple. It is also the birthplace of traditional Thai naturopathy and massage, which are still taught and practiced today. Learning Thai or a traditional massage from a qualified doctor is possible.
The story goes that Wat Pho was intended to serve as a place of education for the general public. Eight subjects: history, medicine, health, customs, literature, proverbs, lexicography (collecting, writing, and editing dictionaries), and Buddhist religion. They are scattered around the temple, such as at Hermit Hill, which contains statues depicting ancient massage and yoga techniques.
Drawings of constellations, inscriptions on local administration, and paintings of folk tales and farming adorn the library’s walls.
The reclining Buddha posture refers to the posture of a sleeping or reclining lion, which represents the entrance to full spiritual enlightenment through the cessation of all worldly desires. The soles of the reclining Buddha’s feet are exquisitely inlaid with nuts.
Mother of Pearl: A wheel symbol (dharma, cause, and effect) is located in the center of each foot and represents one of the many chakra energy points where universal energy flows into the body. Divided into 108 sections and features auspicious symbols identifying the Buddha, including flowers, dancing girls, white elephants, tigers, and altar accessories.
The Reclining Buddha depicts Buddha lying on his side, calm and content, just before passing into the afterlife. The statue was erected in memory of his death and can be found at Wat Pho and in several other temples throughout Thailand. Due to Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha’s size, photographing the entire statue’s length is difficult. Nonetheless, its awesomeness can never be truly captured in a photograph. You must see it in person to fully appreciate how magnificent it is.
