THE WONDERS OF WAT PHO

THE WONDERS OF WAT PHO
At Wat Pho – Temple of The Reclining Buddha
Koh Rattanakosin (Rattanakosin Island) Bangkok

Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimonmangklaraam Rajwaramahaviharn, a first grade royal monastery which was regarded as being the most important one during the reign of King Rama I of the illustrious Chakri dynasty, is more widely known to visitors as “Wat Pho”.

Phra Buddhasaiyas (Viharn Phranorn) or The Viharn of the Reclining Buddha

The Vihara (pronounced Viharn) of the Reclining Buddha houses the Reclining Buddha of the reign of King Rama III. This is the largest and one of the finest Buddha images to be found in the kingdom. The mother-of-pearl inlay at the feet of the image is of the Thai-Chinese style, as indicated by 108 auspicious signs portraying natural scenes of both Indian and Chinese influences.

Sala Rai or Satellite Pavilions
The North Pavilion is a library of inscriptions on Thai traditional massage.
Thirty-two drawings of massage techniques are depicted on the ceiling of the veranda. There are also inscriptions of the first Thai proverbs known as Supasit Phra Ruang, Thai literary works called Kritsana Sorn Nong, and a portrait of the Royal Kathin Procession.

Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn
This consists of a group of four huge pagodas surrounded by a white wall with sheltered gates built in the Thai-Chinese style and decorated with colour-glazed tiles and Chinese rockery guardians. The pagodas consist of Phra Maha Chedi Sri Sanpetdayarn, Phra Maha Chedi Dilok Dhammakaroknitarn, Phra Maha Chedi Muni Batborikharn, and Phra Maha Chedi Song Phra Srisuriyothai.

The Legend of Songkran
The Nang Songkran legend involves King Kabilaprom and Prince Thammaban. These characters are depicted on the inner walls of the porticos constructed during the reign of King Rama III.

The World Heritage Inscriptions
Wat Pho and the Fine Arts Department have worked in cooperation to establish a museum of Buddha images in the different art styles. The images are classified into three major categories including Buddhist Art, the Buddha's Marks and the Buddha's Attitudes.

Wat Pho has been included in the UNESCO Memory of the World (MOW) Programme for 2009. The temple was recognized for the historic inscriptions and hermit statues teaching traditional Thai yoga housed inside it.

Wat Pho Giants
The outer walls of the Phra Mondob feature a collection of famous Thai proverbs called Kloang Lokaniti and scenes from the legend about the fight between the giants of Wat Pho Giants and Wat Jaeng that resulted in the emergence of Tha Tien pier.

Sala Karn Parien
The Sala Karn Parien pavilion was built in the Ayutthaya period as the main chapel of Wat Phodharam and was later restored during the reign of King Rama III. The principal Buddha image of Wat Phodharam named "Phra Buddha Sassada" was once enshrined here.

Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn
The main chapel was constructed during the reign of King Rama I in the Ayutthaya style. The principal Buddha image is Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn in the gesture of a seated Buddha on a three-tiered pedestal called Phra Pang Smardhi.

Contorted Hermit Mount
The Contorted Hermit Mount was built during the reign of King Rama I. It was the centre of medical science and knowledge from the Ayutthaya period, reflected by statues of hermits or Rishi practicing physical exercises.
Wat Pho is also winner of the Award of Outstanding Performance in the 7th Thailand Tourism Awards 2008 in the Cultural Tourist Site – Central Region award category.

In ancient times, not only did Wat Pho serve as a centre of religious instruction, the royal monastery also served a centre of history, literature, art and culture, as well as medical science, physical therapy and other forms of traditional Thai healing. Considered to be the first open university providing education in traditional Thai medicine and traditional Thai massage, the temple is home to the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage and Medical School, which offers traditional Thai massage. The service is available from 08.00 – 22.00 daily.
Pricing:

Traditional Thai Massage: 220 baht for 30 minutes or 360 baht per hour
Foot Massage: 360 baht for 45 minutes
Traditional Thai massage using steamed herbal poultices: 480 baht per hour

If you interest to study theory and practice Ascetic self-stretching (Rue-Si Datton) or Thai Massage You able to contact Watpo Thai traditional Medical School.To book a session, or for further details, please call:
Tel: +66 (0) 2221 2974 (press O), +66 (0) 2225 4771
Cellphone: 084 206 3580

Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: http://www.tourismthailand.org/
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.

Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand
Source from:
Web site: http://www.tatnews.org/
http://www.watpho.com/en/home/index.php
http://www.watpomassage.com/2009/

Ayutthaya Songkran Festival (Old Capital's Songkran)

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Songkran Festival

Date
12 – 14 April, 2009

Venue
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bopit and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Activities
13 April, 2009
- Offering alms to monks in front of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit.
- Pouring water on the hands of elders to receive their blessing.
- Admire the beautiful procession from 16 districts.
- Water splashing with elephants.

12 – 14 April, 2009
Around Bang Ian Road (in front of the TOT Public Company Limited), Ko Mueang, Phra Nakhon Si

Ayutthaya province
- Enjoy the Thai Classical Music Competition and cultural Performances.
- Experience the atmosphere of the ancient city’s food avenue.
- Buy OTOP food products.

Wat Thong Bo, Tambon Sao Kradong, Amphoe Bang Pa-in
- Offering alms in accordance with the Mon tradition, and bathing the Buddha image by pouring water through a bamboo gutter.
- Admire the procession of traditional Mon flags.
- Dress in Mon costumes and try Mon traditional cuisine.

The Statue of King Naresuan the Great, Thung Phukhao Thong
- Pouring water on the hands of 800 elders to receive their blessing.
- Sand Pagoda Competition.
- Admire traditional plays and performances.
- Water splashing in the refreshing water curtain.


For more information
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality Office
Tel. 0 3525 2168

TAT Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Tel. 0 3524 6076-7, 0 3532 2730-1

Ayutthaya Tourist Centre
Tel: 0 3532 2730 - 1

Source from: Songkran.net