The Grand Palace
The Grand or Royal Palace is situated between two old temple; Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho) to the south and Wat Mahathat (Wat Salak) to the north.
Construction begand in A.D. 1782 and was completed in time for the coronation of Rama I. The plan of this new royal palace followed that of the Autthaya period: the river formed a moat on on side; the site of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha corresponded to the site of Wat Phra Si Sanphet in the old royal palace at Autthaya.
Many of the other main buildings also correspond to those at the palace in Ayutthaya, the Phra Maha Monthian being in the same position as Phra-Thinang Wihan Somdet, and Phra-Thinang Dusit Mahaprasat standing for Phra-Thinang Suriyatamarin in Ayutthaya.
The Royal Palace contains a number of halls, residences and other buildings with were built in the time of Rama I. Later monarches altered some and renovated others, while others were enlarged or pulled down to make way for new buildings.
The Phra Maha Monthian Group
This group is located in the inner and central parts of the Grand Palace towards the eastern side. It was the first group of buildings constructed by Rama I as his own residence.
Phra-Thinang Chakraphat-Phiman
Phra-Thinang Chakraphat-Phiman is the main buildinh of the group, situated in the inner quarters. On the gable board there is a carving in relief of Indra seated in an open-sided celestial chariot and surin an open-sided celestial chariot and surrounded by decorative motifs in the shape of Naga heads.
Phra-Thinang Phaisan-Thaksin
Phra-Thinang Phaisan-Thaksin, an important part of the coronation ceremony takes place in this hall.
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Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram.
Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram, commonly called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, was built early in the reign of King Rama I, founder of the Chakri Dynasty, who established Rattanakosin (Bangkok) as the
capital of Kingdom in A.D. 1782. The new temple was completed in A.D. 1784. This royal chapel occupies its own compound within the Grand Palace as Wat Phra Si Sanphet in the former capital, Ayutthaya.
It is the most revered temple in the city, but being the Royal Chapel no monks reside there. It serves as the centre for all religious rites pertaining to the State and Monarchy, such as ordina tions under royal patronage, special ecclesiatical rites,
and the swearing of fealty. King Rama I brought the image of the Emerald Buddha, which is regarded by the Thai people as the palladium of the Kingdom, from the palace in Thon Buri the former capital on the west bend of the Chao Phraya River,
to the Main Assembly Hall of the newly-built Royal Chapel where it has remained ever since.
Important Edifices in the Temple
The Assembly or Ordination Hall
This large hall with triple-tired roof was built during the reign of King Rama I. The low boundary wall of the chapel is decorated with coloured tiles painted in delicate colours with flowers, leaves and bird.
Inside the Hall the Image of Emerald Buddha presides. It is caved out of a large piece of semi-precious green stone, seated in meditation on a raised gilt throne. The length from knee to knee of the image is 48.3 cm. and the height is 66 cm.
Three times annually, the reigning king or a prince appointed by the king performs the ritual change of the Emerald Buddha's seasonal attire.
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![[His Majesty replaces the Emerald Buddha's summer costume with that for the rainy season]](/RainForest/7153/phasa.gif)