Wat Sutheat is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok. It is a royal temple of the first grade, one of ten such temples in Bangkok. As a Royal Temple it has a special reverence within the country. First built over 200 years ago during the reign of Rama I, huge teak doors were added by Rama II , before finally finishing construction in 1847 when Rama III ascended the throne.
Just outside the temple, in the middle of a roundabout is one of the symbols of Bangkok; A Giant Swing that was an integral part of the old annual rice harvest festivities when groups of men rode it to its full 80ft height, as they attempted to grab bags of silver coins. Unsurprisingly, a few too many fatalities put an end to the custom. The magnificent teak arch, however, is still standing and forms part of much safer thanksgiving ceremonies in the modern day. Although often described as being one of the most instagramable places in Bangkok, I found it massively uninspiring as a photography subject. The temple itself was a another matter...
The marble floor outside the temple, gives great reflections. I need to go back just after it's rained and see if I can get even more pronounced reflections. It is definitely one of Bangkok's quieter temples. I wouldn't say I had to myself, but there can't have been more than a handful of others there, including locals who come to pray. Outside the walls Bangkok rages in it's noisy busy-city was but it is very peaceful inside.
To wander around and photograph the cloisters, which contain more than 150 Buddha images in various states of restoration is the main reason I came here. Each statue is adopted by an individual to mourn the death of somebody close to them, with the ashes interred in the base or the wall behind.
Without wishing to upset or offend anyone, there's a strong C3PO-vibe going on!
The viharn of the Wat Suthat is one of the oldest Rattanakosin era buildings still in existence. It holds the most important Buddha image of the Wat. Which was bought here from Sukhothai. Below is the base of the statue with statues of monks studiously studying at it.
I was really taken with the building itself more than the statues it houses and, in particular, the way the afternoon sunlight crept through the pillars creating a repeating pattern that went with the repeating pattern of the windows.
As well as the main Buddha icons and those that line the cloisters, the temple is full of interesting statues depicting different phases of the Buddha's life. I am a bit obsessed with Buddha images and statues! I really like both of these photos but couldn't quite get the profile AND the simple background I was after.
As always, there are loads of sundry statues around the temple and these three particularly caught my eye.
Definitely more to see here, asides from the reflections mentioned above, I want to explore the Buddhas round the edge of the temple more. Some shots with Monks in them would be great. Not to mention the 28 Chinese style pagodas that I just couldn't get something I was with and the swing outside.
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AuthorsWe are teachers and have worked in various schools in Europe & Asia. This is really a chronicle of out travels over the years. It is meant for us to look back on, reflect and remember where we've been, what we've done and all our little adventures. If you like it too, then fab! If you don't, do you think we care? Archives
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