 |
| 1824 Wat Arun (1) |
Posted on 15.08.2015, 28.10.2017, 23.11.2019
Wat Arun (Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, "Temple of Dawn") is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok, on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun. Although the temple had existed since at least the 17th century, its distinctive prang (spires) were built in the early 19th century during the reign of King Rama II.
 |
| 3181 Wat Arun (2) |
A Buddhist temple (Wat Makok) had existed on this site since the time of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, which was renamed Wat Chaeng by King Taksin when he established his new capital of Thonburi, near the temple. It enshrined the Emerald Buddha before it was transferred to Wat Phra Kaew in 1785. The temple was located in grounds of the royal palace during Taksin's reign, then it was abandoned until Rama II, who restored it and extended the pagoda to 70m.
 |
| 3262 Wat Arun (2) |
The main feature of Wat Arun is its central prang (Khmer-style tower) which is encrusted with colourful porcelain. The corners are surrounded by four smaller satellite prang, decorated by seashells and bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming from China. Construction of the five prang was started by King Rama II during 1809-1824 and completed by King Rama III (1824-1851). The central prang is topped with a seven-pronged trident, referred to by many sources as the "Trident of Shiva". Around the base of the prang are various figures of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals. Over the second terrace are four statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on Erawan.
Read more »