Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Viewed from inside the grounds of the Grand Palace, Western side of Wat Phra Kaew

Emerald Buddha Statue inside Wat Phra Kaew

Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also called Wat Phra Kaew, is considered the most sacred temple (wat) of Buddha in Thailand. Wat Phra Kaew is located within the historic center of Bangkok (district Phra Nakhon), inside the grounds of the Grand Palace. Within the temple is a valuable artifact called the Emerald Buddha Statue and it is said to be the idol that protects the city. The Statue of Emerald Buddha is made up of green jade (not emerald) and is dressed in gold clothes with a total height of 45cm.

As far as the history of the statue goes, it is said that it was made in India during 43 BC in Patliputra. The statue was transferred to Sri Lanka for its safeguard. And then, years later in 1784, it was placed within Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, Thailand. The structure of the statue is called the Jasper Statue. Tourists not only come to this place because of its sacred beauty but also to adore and admire the beautiful statue that stands in the middle of the temple. It is green in color and covered all over with gold. The statue has three different set of clothes which are changed only by the King when the seasons change. The sets of clothes which are not used are kept safe in Regalia (public grounds) for public display. The temple is like a personal chapel of the royal family and therefore, does not house any kind of monks.

The entrance to the temple is from the backside and faces the back of the Emeral Buddha Statue. To reach the entrance to the ubosot, the audience has to climb up to the terrace. The temple is covered entirely by a gallery, the outside of which is depicted with paintings from the Ramakien epic.