Context: During his recent visit to Thailand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Wat Pho Temple.
About Wat Pho Temple
- Wat Pho Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok.
- It was built in the 16th century as a monastery and was restored in 1788 by King Rama-I, who established Bangkok as the capital of Thailand.
- The temple is famous for the gigantic Reclining Buddha statue, which depicts Buddha entering Parinirvana.
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Key Features of Wat Pho Temple
- Reclining Buddha: The attraction piece is the gold-plated statue of Buddha entering Nirvana, standing 15 meters tall and 46 meters long.
- Location: Located close to the Grand Palace in Bangkok‘s old Rattanakosin neighbourhood.
- Traditional Thai Massage: Wat Pho was also Thailand‘s first public university and the starting point for traditional Thai massage, with courses and treatments available.
- Architecture: The temple compound features more than 1,000 images of the Buddha, brightly coloured murals, and elaborately ornamented stupas (chedis).
- History: It dates back to the 16th century, was refurbished and expanded by King Rama I, and further enhanced by King Rama III.
Cultural Significance of Wat Pho Temple
Wat Pho is not only a religious site, but also an institution focused on education, heritage, and healing arts. It is visited by pilgrims as well as tourists, providing a serene glimpse into Thai spirituality and craftsmanship.