Images of Buddha at Wat Pho

There are hundreds of images of the Buddha at Wat Pho. In fact, King Rama III saw to the restoration of Wat Pho for the purpose of showing the images of Buddha in various positions according to Buddhist beliefs. This restoration and expansion of the temple started in 1832 and lasted for 16 years. Images of the seated Buddha, the standing Buddha, the meditating Buddha and the reclining Buddha are found in Wat Pho.

Here are some of the images of the standing Buddha.

Buddha Maravichai

The Buddha obtained enlightenment after meditating for 49 days under the bodhi tree. He found the answer to the causes of suffering which are greed, selfishness and ignorance. The Noble Eightfold Path preached by Buddha is the way to end suffering. These are: Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.

It is written that a mad elephant charged at the Buddha during his enlightened state and was pacified. The elephant is depicted here prostrated before the Buddha.

Buddha with his first five disciples to whom he preached the path to enlightenment.

The Standing Buddha or Phra Buddha Lokanat is 8 meters tall and is originally from Ayutthaya.

Phra Buddha Theva Patimakorn is the principal image of Buddha found in the Phra Ubosot or the Ordination Hall of Wat Pho. The ordination hall is used for Buddhist rituals.

The Phra Buddha Saiyas shows the Buddha in a reclining position. Sihasaiyas means lying like a lion. It is the third largest reclining Buddha image in Thailand.

How to get to Wat Pho:

The easiest way is by taking an express boat on Chao Phraya River and get off at Tha Tien Pier (No. 9) which is a short walk to the temple. Entrance fee to Wat Pho: 200 baht (February 2019).

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Images by TravelswithCharie

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