The main Viharn
(some pronounced it as "Wihan" or "Phra Vihara Luang" which simple
means Royal Chapel ) is the most prominent structure in the temple's compound. Although
it may not be as large as the Ordination Hall at the rear section but it has a very
unique look of an old Thai design as well as its strategic location at the front
entrance. The Viharn section of Wat Suthat is built on a elevated levels. it has
a very spacious interior to accommodate visitors or for organizing ritual ceremonies.
The open space is flanked by solid teak wood pillars and columns which support the
entire roof framework. There are three entrances each at the front and the rear,
along with five opened windows at the both sides which provide very good ventilation.
At the center of the Viharn is the famous Buddha statue of Phra Sri Sakayamuni.
Along with the Phra Buddha
Trilokachet which was installed at the Ordination Hall behind this Royal Chapel, both easily form as
the center of all attractions that you can find in Wat Suthat. According to many
reading references, this 8 metres high Phra Sri Sakayamuni (or pronounced and spelled as "Si Sakayamunee")
Buddha
image was among one of the largest* and oldest
bronze cast Buddha image in such scale that you can find in Thailand today.
The Buddha
is seated in a classic posture (leg crossed) that signifies Lord Buddha is in meditative
attitude with the right hand rested on the right leg as well as with his palm of
the left hand facing upwards. The origin was believed to be from Wat Mahathat, ancient
city of Sukhothai at the North of Thailand. Thai Buddhist historian suggest the inscriptions
at Wat Paa Mamuang relate that Phra Mahathammaraja Lithai, King of the Sukhothai
dynasty 1347-1375 A.D. had requested Phra Sri Sakayamuni Buddha to be cast. It had
commemorated its completion in 1361. In 1808 A.D., King Rama 1 requested that Phra
Phirenthep journey to Sukhothai to retrieve this Buddha image by raft via the Chao
Phraya river, enshrined it at Tha Chang coupled with a long celebration, and after
which transported it by sledge to its present site at Wat Suthat. So, the Buddha
image has a roughly 600+ years in its origin and has witnessed many changes in the
long course of history of ancient Siam (now Thailand). *
It may not as high as the principle Buddha Image at Wat Keschaiyo nor as long as
the Reclining Buddha in length at Wat Pho but this is a bronze cast image while the
others are not. The photo at the left with worshippers performing their prayers probably
can give you a sense of scale of how large is this Buddha image.
If you are
a fan of ancient Buddhist art, inside this main Viharn of Wat Suthat can let you
spent hours to appreciate all it has within. Virtually all the supporting pillars,
windows and even the door/window frames of each entrances are beautifully crafted
in traditional Thai design and decorated / painted with murals with the life of Lord
Buddha as the theme. The original old Buddhist theme mural paintings in the interior
of Wat Suthat has been regarded as one of the most beautiful that you can find at
temples in Thailand. All the visible walls, column beams, pillars, doorways, inner
rear sections walls and even the ceilings inside the main Viharn of Wat Suthat are
literally filled up with murals and paintings in various Buddhist stories and legends
of Lord Buddha's road to enlightenment. It resembles the likes of famous old Thai
temples of Wat
Rakang,
Wat
Keschaiyo
or even at the Royal Chapel in the Grand Royal Palace where Emerald Buddha was installed. but
the colour theme is slightly different in here from else where. Below are three separate
LINKS that lead to respective mentioned locations.
Compare
the ambiance, pain works and interior decoration of other important Buddhist temple
locations in or around Bangkok
The doors
and window frames were crafted with intricate and absolute details, reflecting native
traditional Thai craftsmanship According references, one of the door at the main
entrance was actually personal works of King Rama II, who has designed the pattern
and carved this door by himself. The ambience inside projects a very peaceful and
a very natural and calm atmosphere, even with devotees who may be streaming in and
out the Viharn or performing prayers to Phra Sri Sakayamuni but every one has kept
this holy sacred site in absolute silence. It simply makes you find your inner peace
and metal calm in here.
 |
smal.jpg)
Here is an
overview map of the entire compound of Wat Suthat Thepwararam, scanned from a temple
guide. This is good as reference prior to a visit. I didn't and missed a few temple
highlights where I didn't capture them in photos and I don't want to to make the
same mistake (272k Jpeg file Download). Far Left: a Satellite view of Wat
Suthat Thepwararam from the space, image capture provided by Google map.
|
| |
|
|
