To stand at the main gateway and look upon the Monastery
of Five Kings is a sight to behold. The perfect symmetry and proportions
must inspire admiration of this architectural masterpiece.
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram is known to foreigners as The Marble Temple
as its exterior is clad in Carrara marble. Very talented The Prince Naris,
a son of King Rama IV , designed the main building which was completed during
the reign of King Rama V.
The interior crossbeams are decorated with lacquer and gold. The walls of
the spacious inner courtyard are lined with a large collection of bronze
Buddha images. The canal in front and to the left hand side has ornate bridges.
It is advisable to come in the early morning to see local people offering
alms to the monks as they do not go outside as monks at other temple do.
Stand at the main entrance to the compound and watch the pigeons take flight.
If you cant be there at this time, go at sunset when the main doors are
illuminated. This is another sight well worth witnessing.
How to get there : Bus routes 72, 503
Open : Daily from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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