The Wihan of the Reclining Buddha,
Wat Phra Chetuphon or Wat Pho

The image of the Reclining Buddha, this image is the second largest in Thailand with a length of about 50 metres. It is in the Wihan towards the north-western coner of the temple


Gate in European style, leading to the Wihan of the Reclining Buddha Image

The Wihan of the Reclining Buddha or Phra Buddhasaiyas (Wihan Phranorn), the building is constructed for containing the important Buddha image, the Reclining Buddha. King Rama III told his nobleman, Krom Muen Pumintarapakdi (Prince Laddawan), the head of department of the Ten Crafts as a construction team leader. After having moulded the image of the Reclining Buddha, the team continued with the hall. The image was made of stuccoed bricks gilded with gold leaves. This statue is 46 metres long, with the dimensions at the face of 15 metres high and at each foot of 3 metres high and 5 metres long. The soles of the statue's feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl showing the 108 auspicious signs of the Buddha. This is the largest and most beautiful piece of fine arts of the Buddha image in a reclining position found in Thailand.
The mother-of-pearl inlay at the feet of the image is of Thai-Chinese style, as indicated by 108 auspicious signs portrying natural scenes of both Indian and Chinese influence.
On the inner wall of this wihan, you will see mural paintings of three topics : "Mahawong" (Historical annals of Ceylon) up the windows; "13 Savika Atadgga Disciples (Priestess)", "10 Upasaka Atadgga Disciples" and "10 Upasika Atadgga Disciples" between each window.

A pair of Chinese granite-made figures (standing at the front entrance) called "Philosopher"


In the front porch of the Wihan of the Reclining Buddha


Story & Photos : Suchat Tongdee and SunThai Homepage
Information
: Tourism Authority of Thailand, 4 Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10100, THAILAND.
Tel. : (66 2) 281-0422 (20 Lines), E-mail : tat@cs.ait.ac.th
: Tourist Service Center (TAT and Tourist Police), Tel. 1155.