Wat Arun Ratchawararam, or “Wat Arun” for short, is also known as the “Temple of Dawn”. But it started life as “Wat Makok” and has gone through several name changes at the behest of various kings to reach its current name. I assume, therefore, that many other names await it.
It’s spire, or “prang” is where Buddha’s relics are allegedly placed. This contradicts Sri Lanka’s claim that only three parts of the Buddha were rescued from his funeral pyre, all of which are in Sri Lanka. But I’ve realised that it doesn’t really matter – faith and belief don’t require scientific validation.
The guide board stated that “the architectural components of Prang reflects Buddhist ideology about the universe according to Traibhum cosmology”. I have no idea what this means, but it sounds impressive.
Apparently, tourists used to be able to climb about half way, but are now limited to the first tier. And the perimeter circus was also added as part of the cleaning and renovations of the temple.
From a distance, the spire is distinctive, but it’s as you get closer that the most interesting aspect becomes clear: it’s made out of broken pottery:
I think these are Garuda (need to brush up on my Asian history):
And this chap is definitely Confucius (the one with the cup that teaches moderation):
It was also the location of numerous photo shoots. Even the monks were getting in on the act:
The local boat was Bangkok’s equivalent to London’s Thames Clipper… with two notable differences: it was 38p (15 BHT); and lacked most safety features. Humans were packed onto the narrow boat, which moored at each stop by throwing a rope over a bollard and letting passengers jump between the bobbing boat and the moving quay.
Lunch at a local cafe, where they “love the king”:
You see this a lot in Thailand – open adoration of the royal family. It is, of course, an offence to criticise them in public.
Random stuff from today:
Lack of safety measures also extends to construction – these chaps were painting the temple roof sans scaffolding, safety gear or footwear:
Might have to try a “bird’s nest drink” sometime:
Bug of the day: at Wat Arun, I was reminded how large the ants are around this part of the world:
Trees shaped like the mushrooms in my soup last night:
The familiar, and now comforting, sight of a Buddha shrine:
