The Wat Arun is right across the river (Chao Phraya) from the Wat Pho. The Temples themselves as as different and fascinating as night and day. Wat Arun, named after Aruna, The Indian god of dawn, owes it's name to the legend that, in October 1767, king Taksin arrived here at sunrise from the sacked capital of Ayutthaya. He soon enlarged the tiny temple that stood on the site into a Royal Chapel to house the emerald Buddha. Rama I and Rama II were responsible for the size of the current temple; the main prang (tower) is 79 m (260 ft) high and the circumference of its base is 234 m (768 ft). In the 19th century king Mongkut (Rama IV) added the ornamentation created with the broken pieces of porcelain. The monument's style, deriving mainly from the Khmer architecture is unique in Thailand.
Ceramic details: Much of the colorful porcelain used to decorate the prangs (towers) was donated by the local people. The flowers depicted are said to evoke the vegetation of mount Meru, home of the gods.
Central Monument of Wat Arun:
The monuments design symbolizes Hindu-Buddhist cosmology. The central prang (tower) is the mythical Mount Meru and it ornamental tiers are worlds within worlds. The layout of four minor prang (towers) around the central one is a symbolic mandala shape.
Symbolic Levels:
The Traiphum (base) represents 31 realms of existence across the three worlds (Desire, Form and Formless) of the Buddhist universe.
The Tavatimsa Heaven (central section), where all desires are fulfilled, is guarded at the four cardinal points by the Hindu god Indra.
The Devaphum (top) is the peak of Mount Meru, rising above four subsidiary peaks. It denotes six heavens within seven realms of happiness. Indra's weapon, the vajra or thunderbolt, is at the crest (top).
Small Cove:
On the second level of the central prang (tower) are many small coves, inside which are Kinnari, mythological creatures, half bird, half human.
Decoration of the Four Minor Prangs:
Inside the Niches of each minor prang are statues of Nayu, the god of wind on horseback.
Stairs of the Central Prang (Tower):
The steep steps represent the difficulties of reaching higher levels of existence. Fortunately the restoration work was not in progress and visitors are allowed to climb half way up. NOT for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights or STEEP steps. It is like climbing the sheer face of a mountain with only a hand rail. Totally worth it!! Fear Factor rating by a wimp like me = 8+
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| Bodhi tree, Buddha's tree of enlightenment |
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| King's; Temple's, Thai Flags |
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| Deity accepting offers, I wish I had extra arms reaching out to accept offerings |
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| Intricate stone design |
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| From the bottom to the top |
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| porcelain tile inlay |
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| Nayu, the god of wind on horseback |
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| Kinnari, mythological creatures, half bird, half human |
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| Architecturally amazing, whatever you do don't think about structural soundness at a time like this. |
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| Breathtaking views |
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| Just hard to get enough, it is so amazing, pinching myself! |
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| Big ole Texas Howdy |
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| On the banner that is strung all around the Temple tower |
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| Do you remember "Stairway to Heaven"? Watch your step; each is about 1.5 feet down and only about 3 -4 inches deep. Hug the banister and don't look down!!! |
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| Intricate details |
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| Check out the stairway over my right shoulder. Been there done that...own the t-shirt! |
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| Better stairway shot, elevator going up/down.....NOT! |
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| Even the Monks get in on the ritual of difficulty reaching new heights. |
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| River crossing is an adventure in itself. |
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| My monks, I paid their boat fare as they were very kind and encouraging on my descent. Baht $50 = US$1.65. Experience; PRICELESS! |
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