7/27/2552

WAT HUA KUANG




WAT HUA KUANG


Amphoe Muang. The words "Hua Kuang" mean large open space. The temple is appropriately named, as it is situated on a large open space in the historical area of Nan, near Hor Kham, the ancient royal palace of Nan rulers. No evidence of its construction date has been found, only records of its restoration in 1911, ordered by a former Prince of Nan. Others interesting features include the palace-shaped chedi, with the design of the square base matching the double-tiered topmost orbs; the bronze Buddha image in Subduing Mara(the obstructer of merit) posture; the scripture hall or HorTrai, shaped in square structure with four gabled ends; and a pulpit with a gourd-shaped top, elaborately decorated with black lacquer and covered in gold leaves and coloured glasses.

WAT PHRATHAT CHANG KAM WARA VIHARN



WAT PHRATHAT CHANG KAM WARA VIHARN




wat phrathat chang kam wara viharn, Amphoe Muang is an important royal temple
of the city.This temple is also the venue for conducting religious as well as city ceremonies.It was built in B.E. 1949 by Phaya Ngakeng, the ruler of Nan. Originally, it was named Wat Luang and Wat Luang Klang Wiang, However, its mames as Wat Chang Kam or Wat Phrathat Chang Kam were derived from the Buddha Chedi or Phratthat Luang which stands on the high elevated square base. The pagoda is made of brick and stucco, and around its base stands a guarding elephant seen only half on 4 directions of 6 each. The posture of the elephants is like using their back to support the chedi as the morthern dialect call this posture "Kam".
Some important features in the temple compound are the Pharthat Chang Kam, the ordination hall , Phra Viharn, pulpit of the Busabok shape, Buddha image Phra Buddha Nanthaburi Sri Sakayamuni, and the scripture hall. Each holds a significant aspect on history, architecture, and art that would help in the research of knowledge for the general public.





6/10/2552

NATIONAL MUSIUM:

NATIONAL MUSIUM:
Open 9-am /12-noon and 1-pm/4-pm Tuesday/Friday (admission 5 bath) and Sunday(admission free), the museum consist of a group of historically important buildings. The complex, formerly the palace of the successor to the throne, was build in 1782 by King Rama I when he moved the capital of Bangkok. The prince resided in the room behind the main hall that now exhibit musical instrument, pottery, and thrones. Many ancient weapons are on display and of particular interest is the model War Elephant, fully adorned with royal battle equipment. There are also State Funeral Carriage, one of which is forty feet high weighing twenty tons.

6/09/2552

DEMOCRACY MONUMENT


DEMOCRACY MONUMENT:
Thais are peaceful people and have never waged major wars against their neighbors. Although overrun by invading Burmese and Cambodians in past centuries, and occupied during World War II, the Thai government has always functioned and Thais value their independence. The word “Thai” means “Free”.

6/03/2552

BUDDHISM AND MOUNKS:

BUDDHISM AND MOUNKS:
Buddhism is the national religion in Thailand. Youn men, regradless of social status, are expectec to spend a minimum of three months as monks, usually during Buddhist Lent(Sept/Nov). Monks cannot ask for or earn money but hey may receive donations, paticularly food given by the people who gain merit by their generosity. Most Thai Kings have become ordrained as Buddhist monks either before or after their accession to the throne.They then have to shave off their hair, don the saffron robe, and spend a period of time in the monastery leading the humble life of an ordinary monk.

5/22/2552

Wat, Bot and Chedi are the important of Buddhism

Thailand’s mysteriously beautiful temple are not relics of the past – they are in use daily as the thais are very religious(predominantly Buddhist: over 90 %). A Buddhist Temple (over 23,000 in Thailand) is a “Wat” meaning “monastery” where monk reside. The “Bot” (pronounced “Boat”) is the most important building in temple compound. A “Chedi” (“jay dee”) is circular monument with the sharp spire and often contains a vault of religious objects. A “Prang” is similar, but with a thick spire, and is of Cambodian origin.