The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew, is the main Buddhist temple in Thailand, located within the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This sacred site houses one of the most revered relics in the country—the statue of the Emerald Buddha.
The temple was built in 1782 by order of King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty, when Bangkok became the new capital of Siam (the former capital, Ayutthaya, had been destroyed by the Burmese). The construction of Wat Phra Kaew symbolized the revival of Thai statehood and Buddhist tradition. The temple was designed as a royal chapel, where monks do not reside but only perform ceremonies in the presence of the king.
History of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The statue of the Emerald Buddha (actually made of jadeite or nephrite) has a mysterious origin. According to legend, it was created in India in the 1st century AD, then taken to Sri Lanka, and from there to Cambodia and later to Northern Thailand (Lanna).
In 1434, in Chiang Rai, lightning struck a stupa, revealing a plaster-covered statue inside. When the plaster chipped away, monks saw the emerald image of the Buddha. Later, the statue was transported between various cities (Lamphang, Chiang Mai, Vientiane) until, in 1778, General Taksin (the future king) brought it to Thonburi, and then Rama I moved it to Bangkok.
Since then, the Emerald Buddha has been regarded as the guardian of Thailand, and the king personally changes its robes three times a year (during the rainy, cool, and hot seasons).
Architecture f the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The entire Wat Phra Kaew complex is surrounded by a white wall, symbolizing the boundary between the secular and the sacred. Inside, there are dozens of buildings, pagodas, and statues.
1. Ubosot (Main Chapel). The central building housing the Emerald Buddha. The entrance is guarded by bronze lions and yakshas (demon guardians). The walls are adorned with murals depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and the epic Ramakien (the Thai version of the Ramayana). The roof is covered with gold and green tiles, and the gables are decorated with glass and gold mosaics.
2. Phra Si Rattana Chedi (Golden Stupa). A gilded stupa in the Sri Lankan style, containing relics of the Buddha. Built by King Rama IV in the 19th century.
3. Phra Mondop (Library). A repository of ancient Buddhist scriptures. Surrounded by bronze sphinxes and stone demons.
4. Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon). Houses statues of all the kings of Thailand from the Chakri dynasty. Open to the public only on April 6 (the day the dynasty was founded).
5. Model of Angkor Wat. Built by King Rama IV as a symbol of Siamese dominance over Cambodia.
6. Giant Yakshas (Demon Guardians). Twelve statues of mythical beings guarding the temple.
7. Gallery of Ramakien Murals. 178-meter-long walls covered with scenes from the Thai epic.
8. Statue of the Hermit. A revered figure considered the patron of medicine.
Wat Phra Kaew is not only a religious center but also a symbol of Thai monarchy. Kings conduct important ceremonies here, while thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit daily to pay homage to the Emerald Buddha. The temple is open to visitors but enforces a strict dress code (covered shoulders and knees). It is a place where history, art, and spirituality of Thailand come together in perfect harmony.
