A visit to Wat Suthat Thep Wararam, situated almost in
the center of old Bangkok, gives you an opportunity to see both the Giant
Swing and one of the first-class Royal temples. The surrounding area is
also worth exploring as there are many shops selling religious items.
The building of the temple was commissioned by King Rama I, the founder
of Bangkok, in 1807. Its location in the center of Rattanakosin Island.
This was in keeping with the Buddhist belief that it is like Mount Phra
Sumeru being the center of the universe. Phra Sri Sakayamunee, the principal
Buddha image, was moved from Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai to be placed in Phra
Wihan Luang in Wat Suthat in 1808.
Wat Suthat is surrounded by an impressive wall 1.94 metres high and 0.85
metres thick. There are a total of 15 doorways leading into the temple compound.
Within the temple grounds the most important building is the Phra Wihan
Luang which is the Royal Temple. The mural paintings, covering all the interior
walls are some of the finest to be seen anywhere. Each has stone inscriptions
describing the pictures.
Surrounding the Royal Temple is Phra Wihan Khot terrace which is really
impressive with 156 Buddha statues, mostly in the seated meditative attitude
called Smathi.
The chapel, Phra Ubosot at Wat Suthat is possibly the most beautiful in
Thailand and is also the largest measuring 72.25 metres in length and 22.60
metres in width.
There are four pavilions (sala) within the compound that are elevated to
the height of the temples walls. These are used for various royal functions
and for viewing the previous functions at the Giant Swing in front of the
temple.
The annual ceremony was held up until the 1930s but was discontinued to
the high fatality rate as young men tried to swing high enough to grab a
sack of gold on a pole about 25 metres in the air.
How to get there : Bus routes 12, 15, 42, 73, 96, 508 Open daily : 8.30 am. to 9.00 pm.
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