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Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok

The ancient temple is amazingly harmonious and filled with light. This is logical, since it is dedicated to the god of dawn, Arun. The Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok is considered one of the most popular tourist attractions. It seems to be frozen out of time and space, striking its majesty and beauty.

Interesting facts about Wat Arun temple

The majestic temple complex is located on the banks of Chao Phraya. It is active and services are conducted daily. The main architectural feature is the 79 meters high tower or chedi. The main relics are kept there.

The main tower is still considered to be the tallest among the temple buildings in Bangkok.

The difference from other temples was the porcelain cladding. It was not specially made; splinters of expensive crockery and figurines from the barge were used. She sank for unknown reasons, along with her precious cargo. After it was raised from the bottom, enterprising residents did not throw away such wealth, and immediately put it to work, turning the temple of dawn in Bangkok into a true work of art.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) in Bangkok

Wat Arun did not get its name in vain. It really gets its most amazing appearance in the rays of the morning dawn, shimmering and glittering like a huge jewel. At this point, it’s hard to believe that it was created by humans.

The pilgrimage to Wat Arun temple takes place in the morning and evening. If the dawn rays turn it into an airy castle, the evening illumination gives it a fairy halo. After sunset there are traditional light performances accompanied by music. At this time you can learn a lot of interesting things about the temple, the history of its creation. The stories are in Thai and English.

Wat Arun did not immediately take on its modern appearance. In the 17th century there was a small wooden Buddhist temple in its place. Since the relocation of the capital to Bangkok, the building has been rebuilt. The look is full of symbolism. So the tiers signify the diversity of the worlds. The tall stupas surrounding the main building indicate spiritual perfection.

Between the smaller towers are the montops, which are depositories of sacred texts and other shrines of Buddhism. In the niches are statues of horses, symbolizing the wind god Vayu. The observation deck is guarded by stone guards in the form of sculptures of animals and warriors. It is 20 meters high, with steep steps leading to the top, marking the challenges of life. But the view from up there is worth the effort. As you ascend, an amazing panorama of the city unfolds. The main thing is not to be afraid of the ferocious demons supporting the tiers. They are decorated with shards of porcelain and look more ornate than sinister.

A statue of the Emerald Buddha was installed in the temple and then moved to Wat Pra Keo, which is located in the Royal Palace.

The area of Wat Arun requires special attention. In the courtyard and around the towers are installed:

  • gazebos;
  • the cells of the monks;
  • library;
  • viharny;
  • drinking fountains;
  • elephant figures;
  • small decorative pools-bowls with blooming lotuses.

The sculptures of mythical creatures are very diverse, one can only admire the inventiveness of the masters who took the legends as the basis. Among the statues are lions, monkeys, kinari, elephants with several heads, important warriors and pagoda keepers.

Under the canopies and roofs of the buildings there are small bells that emit a melodious ringing from the lightest breeze. These sounds are believed to ward off evil spirits.

How do I get to Wat Arun temple in Bangkok?

Wat Arun

Since the temple complex stands on the riverbank, it is more convenient to reach it by ferry or river streetcar. The ticket price is 4 baht. You can also travel by public transport, cab or rental car. The Royal Palace serves as a landmark.

The most convenient option is to visit the attraction as part of a tour. The temple is open for visits from 8.00 to 18.00. The ticket costs 50 baht.

If there is an impressive line at the main entrance, you can enter from the second, non-parade entrance on the other side.

Location on the map

Wat Arun is marked on the tourist map as one of the main attractions on a par with the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Tips for visiting the temple

Access to Wat Arun is free, but there are a few rules that are better to follow in order not to break the unspoken tradition.

  1. For the visit, choose clothing that covers the shoulders, hands and knees. For tourists at the entrance is organized rental of things that meet the requirements.
  2. You can enter the inner rooms only without shoes, leaving them in front of the entrance.
  3. You can’t step on the threshold, it’s disrespectful. You have to get over it.
  4. Light shows are held in spring and summer; they start at 7 p.m. and last 15 minutes. In an evening you can see four performances.
  5. The main Buddhist Kathin ceremony is held in November. It is attended by members of the ruling dynasty, there is a ceremonial part and the awarding of traditional robes to the monks.
  6. If you want, you can buy a scrap of yellow cloth, write a wish on it and tie it to one of the columns on the observation deck.
  7. Not far from the entrance are tents with souvenirs and national costumes, which are invited to take a picture.
  8. Tired visitors can sit in the shade on the green lawn, no one will drive away.

The journey to the temple of dawn will be remembered for a long time, arousing admiration for the skill of the builders and the amazing atmosphere of tranquility that reigns throughout Wat Arun.

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