Wat Pho

The Reclining Buddha.

Worshipers make offerings in the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Bangkok is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. One of things that sets it apart are the amount of temples that dot the landscape. Most pertain to Theravada Buddhism, although some originate from Chinese religions such as Taoism.
 
Located near the mighty Chao Praya River is a royal monastery and temple complex dating back to the era of King Rama I. It is home of The Reclining Buddha, and is said the be the birthplace of the Thai massage (which I, for one, am grateful). Within the complex are many religious buildings, pagodas, plants, fountains, and the omnipresent Buddha statues. It's official name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. Luckily for all of us, it is more commonly known as Wat Pho.
 
Being a sacred place of worship, the visitor must dress appropriately. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are inappropriate. The cost to enter is 100 Baht.
 

Pagodas and temples of Wat Pho.

Schoolkids on a field trip to Wat Pho.

Chinese Stone Doll.

Stone statues "bear the weight" at the base of a pagoda.

The Reclining Buddha is enshrined in a temple of the same name. The figure is 46 meters in length and 15 meters high, laying on it's side with head propped up on the hand, which is called the Sihasaiyas posture. The Buddha in this position is said to be a lion reclining. The image is made of brick and stucco, but lacquered and gilded to give a divine look. The feet, especially, are of interest. These gigantic appendages have designs in the toes that almost look like true prints. On the sole of the foot are “the mother-of-pearl inlaid patterns,” which are supposedly the same patterns found on the original Buddha shortly after he was born.
 
Many claim The Reclining Buddha to be the finest of large Buddhas around the world. Adherents, including both Thai and foreigner, believe that worshiping the image will bring them peace and happiness.
 

A colonnade of Buddha statues.

One of the curiosities at Wat Pho are the Chinese stone dolls that decorate porches, artificial hills and other spots within the temple complex. Originally they were used as ballast to stabilize ships returning from trade with China during the reign of King Rama III. During this era, trade was prosperous and merchant vessels returned to Siam heavy with commodities.  They used the stone statues as weight to stabilize the ship. They come in various forms, including warriors, nobleman, sages, lions, tigers, horses and pigs. Now they are used as decorations in the temple.
 

Joss sticks and lotus flowers are used for offerings.

Phra Buddha Chinnaraj, depicting the Buddha giving his first sermon.

In the South Assembly Hall is an image depicting Buddha giving his first sermon. It is known as Phra Buddha Chinnaraj, and was brought from Sukhothai, the former capital, by King Rama I. The image represents a key moment in the life of Buddha when he set the wheel of Dharma in motion. In his sermon he taught of the middle path to reach Nirvana, which means to avoid the extremes of pleasure and self-mortification.
 

An artist focuses on his work in a backroom of Wat Pho.

This small statue depicts the Thai Massage, which originated at Wat Pho.

Phra Ubosot, an ordination hall used for monastic rituals.

The greatest enjoyment, from a visitors point of view, is just to wander around the complex and take in the majesty of it all—the colors, ornate decoration, smell of incense, and literally hundreds of Buddhist statues. It is pleasant to watch those who are visiting, those who are worshiping, and perhaps some of the artists who are restoring artifacts. ♠