As an overwhelmingly Buddhist nation it is not surprising that Thailand is dotted with a multitude of Buddhist temples, many of them very attractive and beautiful. A mesmerizing blend of the spiritual and the exotic, apart from being places of meditation and prayer Thai temples are among the most scenic buildings one might imagine. The enthralling sights, sounds and smells of the temples suggest both devotion and mystical allure.
Wat Indravihan, one of Thailand’s most popular temples is located in Bangkok’s Nakhon District. The main reason for the temple’s fame is without a doubt the immense Buddha statue it contains, reputedly one of the largest in the world.
This colossal 32 metre tall, 10 metre wide image called ‘Luang Pho To’ was constructed during the rule of King Rama IV. The statue faces the east, holding an alms bowl, and is strikingly adorned with pure gold mosaics procured from Italy. The topknot of the image contains sacred relics of the Buddha which were provided by the nation of Sri Lanka. The unusual aspect of the figure is that it is exceptionally thin, with facial features that are noticeably flat. Visitors will notice that the statue has been imbued with a modernistic style of design.
Everyday throngs of local devotees and inquisitive foreign tourists arrive at the scene to visit the temple. As the Buddha image is considered to possess the power to bestow merit, the Buddhist faithful beseech the blessings of the holy figure and offer diverse offerings at the foot of the image.
The huge size of the figure never fails to awe the visitor with its colossal proportions; even the toenails sheathed in gold like the rest of the statue are of impressive dimensions. The visitor will also see numerous small Buddha figures at the base of the main structure, on which pilgrims bestow strings of flowers to show their reverence.
The visitor will notice many caged birds offered for sale near the temple entrance. Local tradition states that buying the birds and releasing them at the foot of the statue bestows good fortune, success and prosperity.
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