Wat Pho (Wat Chetupon)

This large and extensive temple neighbours the Grand Palace on Thai Wang Road and houses the very impressive gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha which is some 46 metres long and 15 metres high. Its soles are inlaid with mother of pearl. The temple is regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes call Thailand's first university.

A view from one of the largest Chedis where there is an entrance. Chedi usually contain a relic of the Buddha or the ashes of a king or an important monk. The function is similiar to the pyramids in Egypt. The large Wiharn (building that houses Buddha images) in this image houses the Reclining Buddha.

The other name for Wat Pho is Wat Phra Chetuphon. The Reclining Buddha and the mother of pearl. Other than the Buddha statue the walls surrounding it are covered with beautiful Thai paintings. The head side of the Reclining Buddha. The Wiharn which houses the Reclining Buddha is a large building from the outside but when inside feels small.

The Chedis are decorated chinese ceramic tiles. Very carefully detailed. There are 95 Chedis in Wat Po.

Address:2 Sanamchai Road Phra Borommaharatchawang Sub-District Phra Nakhon District Bangkok 10200

Opening Hours:

Temple: Daily 8 am-5 pm

Ubosot: Daily 8 am-5 pm

Admission Fee:Foreigner 50 Baht

Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan

Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan is a secondary monastery. Initialy, Chao Phraya Nikhon Bodin (Toh Kalayanamit) offered his residence and land formerly called "Chinese Monk Village" and it was turned into a royal monastery in the reign of King Rama III in 1852, and got graciously named as Wat Kanlayanamit".

The principle Wihan houses " Phra Putta Trai Rattana Nayok (Luang Poh Toh)" or "Sam Po Hood Gong" or "sam Po Gong" in Chinese. The only one principle Buddha Image of Palilai posture in Thailand. In the main Chapel, you can see the fine mural painting about history of Lord Buddha. The tower of Ho Phra Tham Montien Talerng Phrakiat stores various Buddhist scriptures.

Getting There:Take a boat at Pakklong Talad (Flower market) Pier to Wat Kanlaya Pier

Offering : 3 Incense sticks, 1 pair of red candles, flower or garland.

Wat Rakangkositaram Woramahawihan

Located on Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok Noi District, on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, this temple was built in Ayutthaya Period, and later renovated by King Rama I.

The name Wat Rakang was given after the renovation when a bell buried in the ground was found. (Rakang is a Thai word for bell.)

In Thai culture, ringing bells are compared to widespread fame. People thus come to Wat Rakang to pray for reputation.

Address:250 Arun Amarin Road, Sirirai Sub-District, Bangkoknoi District, Bangkok 10700

Peir:

1. Chao Phraya Express Boat: Railway Station Pier Wang Lang Pier

2. Ferry: Tha Chang Pier Wat Rakhang Pier

3. Pier Wihan Somdet: 8 am - 5.30 pm

Opening Hours:

Temple: Daily 5 am-9 pm

Ubosot: Daily 6 am-6 pm

Wihan Somdet: Daily 8 am-5 pm

Admission Fee: free

Wat Suthat Thepwararam

Wat Suthat Thepwararam (วัดสุทัศน์เทพวราราม) is a royal temple of the first grade, one of six such temples in Thailand.

Located in front of the Giant Swing on Bamrung Muang Road, Phra Nakhon District, Wat Suthat's history dates back to the reign of King Rama I when the construction started. Back then, its location was considered to be the centre of Bangkok. This grand temple features refined murals, sculptures and plenty of exeptional Chinese statuary. It also houses the centuries-old Phra Sri Sakayamuni image cast in Sukhothai Period. This image is enshrined in the ordination hall which is the longest ordination hall in Thailand. People who pray at this royal monastery believe they will be blessed with charm and a good vision.

Construction was begun by His Majesty King Rama I in 1807 (B.E. 2350). Further construction and decorations were carried out by King Rama II who helped carve the wooden doors, but the temple was not completed until the reign of King Rama III in 1847 (B.E.2390).

This temple contains the Buddha image Phra Sri Sakyamuni or "Sisakayamunee" which moved from Sukhothai province. At the lower terrace of the base, there are 28 Chinese pagodas which mean the 28 Buddhas born on this earth.

Wat Suthat also contains Phra Buddha Trilokachet in the Ubosot (Ordinary Hall) and Phra Buddha Setthamuni in Sala Kan Parien (Meeting Hall).

Address:

146 Bamrung Muang Road Ratchabophit Sub-District Phra Nakhon District Bangkok 10200

Opening Hours:

Temple: Daily 8:30 am-9 pm

Ubosot: Daily 9 am-4 pm

Wihan Luang: Daily 9 am-9 pm

Admission fee: 20 baht

Wat Chanasongkram, bangkok

Photo courtesy of bangkoktourist.com

Proof that the sacred can survive amidst the profane is Wat Chanagonkram. Its location in backpacker enclave Banglamphu, close to Khao San Road and mildly less frenetic Soi Rambuttri, belies both the ancient heritage and the tranquillity of this small temple and its shady grounds.

Its origins date back to the Ayutthaya period, but it was restored in 1787, during the reign of Rama I. This was after the famous victory at the battle of nine armies, which explains the name - Wat Chanasongkhram Rajaworamahaviharn, which translates as 'victory in war'.

In the past, this temple was known as Wat Tong Pu, however, King Rama I renamed it 'Chanasongkram' in honour of his younger brother, vice King Boworn Mahasura Singhanat, who stopped here on his way back from his victory in 3 great wars. In Thai, Chana means victory and Songkram means war.

Due to the temple's auspicious name, people pray for a trouble-free life and succesful career here when the pay homage to the principal Buddha inmage in the ordination hall.

At the rear is a sedate tree-lined courtyard, including temple housing where monks and lay workers still reside. Within the temple compound is a small courtyard. The windows and gable of the small 'Ubosot', or ordination hall, feature elaborately gilded wood, while inside at the altar sits a famous Buddha image in the subduing mara posture called Phra Phra Buddha Norasee Trilokachet, dating from the reign of Rama I. Around it sit 15 Buddha images from the same period, and also a pair of ebony elephant tusks.

There is also a statue of King Taksin, which predates the Chakri Dynasty. In front of the compound sit two chedis in the Jom Hae style, with wide base and sharp top.

Address:Chakkrabongse Road Banglamphu Sub-District Phra Nakhon District Bangkok 10200
Pier:1. Chao Phraya Express Boat: Phra Athit
Pier2. Passenger Boat: Phra Sumen Fort Pier (Phadung Krungkasem Canal)
Opening Hours:
Temple: Daily 5 am-8 pm
Ubosot: Daily 6 am-6 pm
Admission Fee:Free Admission

**This is one of the 9 temple i'll be visiting next month. will take more pictures to post it here.

Face - Washing Ceremony

Myanmar Buddhist people have strong and staunch belief that the GREAT IMAGE personified the living Buddha. They must do something in honor of Buddha and they initiate a ritual of washing the face with fragrant scented water and cleaning the teeth of the GREAT IMAGE.

In February 17, 1988, the Ven. Sayadaw Buddhanta Pannya Vamsa of South Htilin monastery, Pitaka Kyaung, commenced his daily routine of washing and cleaning the face of the GREAT IMAGE at dawn.

The washing and cleaning ceremony starts at early 4.30 a.m. every day. The towels are offered by lay devotees and after the ceremony, the towels are given to the worshippers to be honored at their home shrines. Only the male devotees are permitted to apply gold leaf on the IMAGE. For female worshippers, the said kind of donation is carried out by pagoda officials on their behalf.

Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan วัดสระเกศราชวรมหาวิหาร

Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan ( วัดสระเกศราชวรมหาวิหาร, usually short Wat Saket) is a Buddhist temple in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, Bangkok, Thailand.

The temple dates back to Ayutthaya era, when it was called Wat Sakae. King Rama I renovated the temple and renamed it to Wat Saket. During the reign of King Rama III the Chedi Phu Khao Thong (Golden mountain, ภูเขาทอง) was added to the temple. It was finished under King Rama V and then named Suwannabanphot.

This monastery hosts the splendid Golden Mount where relics of the Buddha are enshrined. Around 78 metres high, this landmark is surmounted by a golden pagoda.

If you pray for security and prosper in life, visit the sacred compound.

Opening hours:08.30-17.30 hrs.

Admission to the tap of the Golden Mount:Bath 10

http://www.watsrakesa.com/

Pra Khru Worawetmni (Luang Por Ie) Wat Luang Po

One local legend of this monk is that when the Sattahip naval base was heavily attacked during World War II, people fleeing the temple were astonished to see Luang Por Ie standing in the middle of the temple courtyard praying.The bombs from the planes then fell harmlessly into the sea and people also saw Luang Por Ie’s “Palad Kik”, a sacred small wooden penis image, chase the planes and the bombs, somewhat like a modern-day guided missile.People swore that Luang Por was seen receiving food offerings in Chonburi before they took a bus back to Sattahip. But the monk was already at the temple when they arrived in Sattahip without taking the same bus back.The abbot was sick from an abscess in his neck in 1946 but didn’t want to be treated, recalling that in his previous life that he had killed a deer by shooting it in the neck. It was then the right retribution with which to end in this life.He passed away at the age of 81 on September 20, 1946, which corresponded to the waning moon during the 10th day of lunar month 10 at 8.35pm.

Maha Muni, the most venerated temple - pagoda in Mandalay

The Maha Muni Buddha is a celebrated huge sculpture of Lord Buddha in the Maha Muni Pagoda - called PAYAGYI by the Buddhist devotees with reverence and veneration.

MAHA MUNI is meant THE EXALTED SAGE AND SAINT. This GREAT IMAGE (picture below )was brought from Myohaung in the Rakhine state during the reign of King Bodawpaya in 1784 over difficult terrain of high overhanging mountain ranges and Ayeyarwady River and enshrined in a imposing building in Amarapura.

Though the building that housed the great image caught fire, the image was saved. Originally, IT was made of alloy but now being heavily gilded with gold, increasing day by day; it is estimated to weigh more than one ton of gold. The golden crown of the Maha Muni is studded with several precious stones and gems, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, jade, diamonds, etc. donated by pious devotees.

The Great Image is in a sitting posture
with legs folded under the body in Bhumi Phatha Mudra and resting on a pedestal, 6 ft-10 in high. Its dimensions taken in 1917 are as follows:

1. Height 12 ft-7 in
2. The waist 9 ft-6 in
3. The arms 4 ft-11 in
4. Breadth from shoulder to shoulder6 ft-1 in
5. Breadth at base 9 ft-0 in

Continuous gilding with gold leaves has decidedly changed the said dimensions.

Offering

How should we tell God that we are offering something to them? Usually we will say out the name of the occasion, what we have for HIM and also ask for blessing. Below is a little chant we can practice.

Aspiration at time of Offering

Sudinnam vata me danam, asavakkhayavaham, nibbanam hotu, me anagate kale.

This Dana of mine has been properly offered. may this Dana result in the obliteration of all defilements and in the achievement of Nibbana in the future.

Removing Offerings from the Buddha Altar
How many of us ever ask for Buddha's "Permission" before we remove the offerings from the Altar. Guess after the 3rd day we will just clear away the offerings not knowing that we have to chant a little note for that. Here is to share with all of you.

Sesam Mangalam Yacami.

May I ask for the remaining auspiciousness ( offerings)

Sanghaguna ( Worshipping the Holy Order)

Supatipanno Bhagavato Savaka Sangho, Ujupatipanno Bhagavato Savakasangho, Nayapatipanno Bhagavato Savakasangho, Samicipatipanno Bhagavato Savakasangho, Yadidam cattari purisayugani attha purisapuggalaesa Bhagavato Savaka sangho, Ahuneyyo, pahuneyyo, dakkhxeyyo, anjalikaraniyo, Anuttaram pannakkhettam lokassati

" The order of Holy Disciples of the Blessed One is established on the right Way. the Order of Holy Disciples of the Blessed One is established on the straight Way. The Order is established on the true Way. The Order of Holy Disciples of the Blessed One is established on the proper Way. That is, the four pairs of person, the eight Holy Individuals. This Order of Holy Disciples of the Blessed One is worthy of gifts and reverential salutations, and is an incomparable field of merit for the world."

Dhammaguna ( Worshipping the Sacred Teaching)

Svakkhato, Bhagabata, Dhammo, Sanditthiko, Akaliko, Ehipassiko, Opanayiko, Paccattam Veditabbo, Vinnuhiti.

The Teaching is perfectly enunciated by the Blessed One, is verifiable here and now, is with immediate fruit, invites all to test is themselves, leads onward to Nibbana, and is to be experienced by the wise, each for himself.

Monk Blessing

Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammasambuddhassa ( repeat 3 Times)

Buddhaguna ( Worshipping the Enlightened One)

Itipi so Bhagava, Araharn Sammasambuddho, Vijjacarana sampanno, Sugato, Lokavide,Anuttaro, Purisadammasarathi, Sattha, Devamanussanam, Buddho, Bhagavaati.

Thus indeed is the Blessed Ones, He is the Accomplished One, the Supremely Enlightened One, the Perfect Embodiment of Wisdom and Virtue, the Auspicious Path-finder, the Knower of All Realms, the Incomparable Tamer of Individuals, the Supreme master of Gods and Men, the Awakened One, the Lord.

Makha Bucha Day in Thailand 09.02.2009

Source - The Nation Photo gallery

Makha Bucha is a special Buddhist holiday in Thailand. Many people have a day off work, but the main festivities occur in the early evening of this full moon night.

Makha Bucha is a day to remember two events that occurred on the same day, but forty-five years apart. The first event was the spontaneous arrival of 1,250 Buddhist monks to meet and be ordained by the Buddha - without any prior announcement having been given. The second, occurred forty-five years later, and was when the Buddha delivered a Dhamma talk just before his death.

All over Thailand Buddhists will be making offerings to monks at the temples. Afterwards they will light one candle and three incense sticks to carry along with one lotus flower as they circumnavigate around the main temple building (bot) while chanting and holding the candle, incense and lotus between their upright and folded hands

Devotees upset over temple

THERE were tears and protests when over 100 people turned up to claim their ancestral tablets from the San Bao Jing She temple yesterday. The site of the temple in Sims Avenue near Lorong 39, Geylang, was repossessed a week ago after its bankrupt abbot failed to pay $55,640 in owed rent.
Many families found out only when they they arrived during the Chinese New Year holidays to offer prayers for their dead relatives.
The temple was locked and most of its Buddha statues had been removed. A notice taped to the door advised people to be there yesterday, from 10am to 2pm, to collect the over 400 ancestral tablets.
Yesterday, the crowd began building at 9am. Emotions ran high even before the locks came off. Voices were raised as many questioned the temple's management of their donations.

Mr Lawrence Neo, 43, said he paid $2,500 to the temple, also known as the Triple Gems Buddhist Society, to put up his father's tablet in 1996. He was told then by the temple's abbot Venerable Cheng Wei that it was a one-time fee.
With San Bao Jing She now closed, he has to decide if he will take the tablet home, or cough up $800 to put it at Budi Centre, a Buddhist temple in Lorong 4 Geylang.
'How did this happen?' he asked a group of devotees who had gathered around him. 'Who is responsible for the temple closing? Where did the money go?'
Another devotee, Mr Liang Rong, 60, became agitated when he was told that Venerable Cheng Wei would not be present at the temple.
'Where is he?' he asked Venerable Hui Guang, the abbot of Budi Centre. 'This is a serious matter. This is our ancestors we're talking about. We deserve an explanation in person.'
Ancestral veneration is a centuries-old Chinese-Buddhist custom. Living members of the family pray to provide those who have died a sense of well-being in the after-life.
Efforts yesterday by The Sunday Times to contact Venerable Cheng Wei were unsuccessful, though in a Straits Times report last Wednesday, he blamed the economic downturn for insufficient donations to fund the temple.
He added he had been looking since October last year to move the temple to a smaller venue, but needed more time - a request turned down by his landlord, YHI Holdings. He told Shin Min Daily the next day he had not received any notice to vacate the premises so he was 'caught off-guard' when the premises was taken back on Jan 24, two days shy of Chinese New Year.
Court documents and lawyers' letters obtained by The Sunday Times, however, told a different story. Venerable Cheng Wei, or Reverend Choo Bou Hey, was declared bankrupt in July last year by the High Court for owing an unspecified debt to Orix Capital, a motor company.
Letters dating back to 2006 revealed a pattern of late rent payments. In 2007, the temple was closed for two weeks when he defaulted on rent for five months. He eventually found a sponsor to foot the bill.
He received by registered mail three letters from the landlord - dated Oct 6, Dec 31 and Jan 21 - to vacate the place. The last letter stated that the landlord would repossess the site at 4pm on Jan 23.
Yesterday, a number of devotees were in tears as they left with their family ancestral tablets. Some carried them in red baskets to their cars; others cradled theirs away under the shade of an umbrella.
And while a few were reluctant to pay the $800 bill to the Budi Centre, Mr Zheng Cai Fu, 47, shelled out more - $8,600 - for a District 9 spot at the Singapore Buddhist Lodge in Kim Yam Road.
'With the economy the way it is, who knows which temple will go next?' he said.
The Straits Times, Feb 1, 2009

** Is it really the economic downturn? Can temple survive on donation? Did they make doog use of the donation? God Knows!

Seven killed, about 100 hurt in Thai temple grenade attack

AFP, February 1, 2009

BANGKOK, Thailand -- At least seven people were killed and about 100 injured when a man lobbed a hand grenade into a busy Buddhist temple compound in northeastern Thailand during a celebration, police said on Sunday.

Local police in Nong Bua Lam Phu province in the rural Issan region said a dispute erupted between young men late Saturday as religious ceremonies to celebrate a new Buddhist pavilion led to traditional music and dancing.

"A group of people came for Mor Lam," said Police Colonel Thammajak Kongmongkol, referring to traditional Issan song and dance. "They had an argument, before a person threw a hand grenade into the crowd."

Thammajak said eight people were killed and 97 injured when the M-26 grenade was hurled at the crowd just before midnight, but hospital officials treating the wounded put the death toll at seven and the injured at 111.

A nurse at Nong Bua Lam Phu provincial hospital said that most of the injured were suffering from shrapnel wounds, with none in serious condition.

Thammajak said police had started questioning witnesses who attended the temple fair to find out who was behind the bloody attack. No suspects had been arrested so far, he told AFP.

正月初九拜天公

开始拜天公了

又到了福建人拜天公的大日子了！今年和往年一样，我们也是准备了供品来祭拜天公，祈求新的一年平平安安，工作顺利。

以前当家里的长辈还在的时候，一定准备“五牲”，菜碗，水果，还有年糕，发糕等等，不管是斋的，荤的，满满的摆在桌上，一家大小一起拜拜，一起烧金纸，那是除了除夕之外小孩们可以不用早早上床睡觉的日子，不止这样，还有那么多东西吃，当然开心！

现在的人越来越不注重这些了，就算是传承老一辈留下的习俗也都被简化了，大家也秉着不杀生的信念，都以斋料，水果来取代。其实只要是有心，就算只是简简单单的水果，鲜花就已经足够了，至少这些节日不用因此而被人们给忘了.

“五牲=鸡，鸭，鱼，肉，螃蟹. 拜天公最主要的供品莫过于甘蔗，据说在很久以前，相传福建人为避战争祸害而南下躲避在甘蔗园内，祈求上天赐福，后来逃过一劫获得保命。劫后余生的福建人，为了感谢天公的庇佑，纷纷在大年初九拜天公，答谢天公的"救命之恩"。