The Reclining Buddha

The Reclining Buddha or Phra Buddhasaiyas is 46 meters long and 15 meters high (150 ft by 49 ft). Sihasaiyas refers to the sleeping/reclining posture of a lion.

Phra Vihara, the hall of the Reclining Buddha was built in 1832 during the reign of Rama III. The figure is made with lacquered and guilded stucco over a brick-based corpus.

The Buddha’s head rests on two box pillows inlaid with glass mosaics and is supported by his right hand.

The feet of the Buddha is 5 meters in length and 3 meters in height (16 ft by 9.8 ft). Notice his toes which are all even in size and height.

The soles of the Buddha's feet are inlaid with mother of pearl and have 108 panels showing the auspicious symbols with which he is identified. These auspicious symbols can be grouped into three categories: symbols of fortune and prosperity such as the lotus, attributes of greatness of the king such as the throne, and religious cosmology such as the ocean and heavenly forest. There are two circles, one on each foot, representing a chakra or energy point.

The walls of the chapel of the Reclining Buddha are covered with exquisite murals.

108 bronze bowls line the passageway behind the Reclining Buddha. it is considered good luck to drop coins into these bowls. It also helps the monks to maintain the temple.

The Reclining Buddha is in the Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon) temple complex. Entrance fee is 200 baht and includes one bottled water (as of February 2019). You have to remove your shoes to enter the halls. Plastic bags are handed out to visitors to hold shoes which can be carried inside Phra Vihara. Wat Pho is near the Chao Praya River and 10 minutes walk from the Grand Palace. The easiest way to get there is through the express boat from the Chao Praya River. Get off at Pier #8, Tha Tien. The boat fare is 20 baht. Several buses go to the temple complex. Check www.watpho.com for more information.

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Images by TravelswithCharie

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