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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

ThailandSmileClub: sister favorite book No.One

Detail: sister's favorite book No.One

sister's favorite book No.One

HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE OF

THE EMERALD BUDDHA

by

PROFESSSOR M.C. SUBHADRADIS DISKUL

Foreword
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is both a sacred structure and the repository of the spirit of the entire thai people. Not only is it a site where royal ceremonies are performed nearly the whole year round, but it is also a place to which the people repair for many purposes: to listen to sermons on Buddhist holy days and Sundays, to venerate the emerald Buddha for auspicious benefits, to engages in meditation in order to develop a peaceful mind, to admire the beauty of temple, or to study for themselves many aspects of art. etc.
Apart from the thai people, many foreigners also come often to visit the temple of the Emerald Buddha. Whenever there are important guests, Professor M.C. Subhadradis Diskul is usually call upon to act as guide. He is an expert on this Temple and has more personal association with it than any other individual.
This booklet in your hands will help you understand the history of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha with its various structure erected during different reigns. Through this booklet the pride of the Thai people in their common cultural heritage will be enhanced, and I hope its contents will arouse them to appreciate and safeguard our national heritage for a long time to come.
(H.R.H Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn)

1. Inside the ubosoth of the Temple of The Emerald Buddha. The Emerald is waring his rainy season costume.

2. The Face of the Buddha image dedicated to King Rama I.

3. The Face of the Buddha image dedicated to King Rama II.

4. Phra Samputha Panni(at the back) and the Victory'Buddha(in front)

5. Mural painting represent the Erth Goddess wringing out waters of merit from her hair. Inside the ubocoth of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. facing the main immage.

6. Two gilt stupas infron of the Royal Panthoen.

7. Garuda holding a naga. Around the base of the ubosoth of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha