nava-k: Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)

Monday, November 19, 2012

Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) - Bangkok, Thailand

From Wat Phro, we continued our journey via the streets of Bangkok and arrived at the Marble temple, built by King Rama V in 1899. We were guided by the tour guide right up to the entrance. From here on, he left us alone to explore the inner depths of the temple by ourselves. I was quite happy because it's easier to roam around on my own rather than in a group. Before anything else, I stopped in front of temple, admiring the most modern and one of Bangkok's most beautiful royal wats.

True to its name, the temple is constructed with gleaming white marble from Italy and stands out for its use of European designs.

That said, the modern Thai architecture is also noticeable, all the way from the four sided structure with four-tied roof.

I walked within the whole compound of the temple before entering the Ubosot (ordination hall) - the most prominent feature of the temple. If you are at the hall, you must look up at the ceiling for more of Bangkok's magnificent architectural style and design.

Another must see in the hall is the main Buddha image of the Marble temple, the Phra Buddha Chinnarat in a subduing position with a beautiful illuminated blue background.

Under the bronze Buddha image, the ashes of King Rama V are buried.

There are also a few pictures of King Chulalongkorn on display in the hall.

The surrounding galleries on the other hand exhibits 53 Buddha images, original and copies representing famous figures and styles from all over Thailand and other Buddhist countries.

Our tour in this temple came to an end and we hopped into the coach to head back to our hotel. I found out that MadammTussauds Bangkok is located in one of the buildings along the same streets of Pathumwan Princess, the hotel I am staying. I made arrangement with the coach driver to drop me off at the building where Madam Tussauds is situated. Our next post will feature my visit to "Madam Tussauds".