Wat Mahathat Bangkok, A Sanctuary of Serenity and Meditation

3 Thanon Maharat, Na Luk, Krabi 81110, Thailand

3.6

Introduction

The temple was built under the supervision of Rama I and is a busy and sprawling complex where monks compile Buddhist scriptures. However, it is the unique atmosphere of the temple that is most captivating, even more so than its architecture. The history of the temple can be traced back to the early 18th century, with the main and ordination halls being renovated between 1844 and 1851. It is known as the "Great Relic Temple" due to its scripture library, and its cross-shaped roofs are rare among Bangkok's temples. The temple is the birthplace of the Theravada sect and has grown to become a nationally prominent center of Thai Buddhism, both in size and status. A Buddhist university is located here, one of only two in Bangkok. The temple also offers English meditation lectures that are open to the general public and foreigners, free of charge. Interested individuals can check the course schedule on the notice board and attend when lectures are available. Meditation classes are held in the fifth zone next to the monastic area, and English instructors warmly receive students interested in learning Buddhist meditation. Daily courses on seated and walking meditation are conducted without interruption. The layout of the temple is unique, with two long rectangular halls in front of the main hall arranged asymmetrically. There is a corridor of Buddha images surrounding them, similar to Wat Benchamabophit "Marble Temple." The temple shines brightly with its newly renovated appearance, with lights designed in the shape of deities or divine birds, exquisite in craftsmanship. The main Buddha image in the main hall is also distinctive, with a central chief Buddha and smaller Buddha images facing each other on the sides. The wall lights are also designed as divine beings. There is also a golden pagoda in the temple grounds. In the courtyard, there are still some ongoing construction projects, sculptures of ascetic monks, and Buddha images. The overall layout is not oriented toward the north, and there are unique features everywhere.