Wat Phra Kaew
EasternBuddhisttempleSoutheast Asia1784 CE - present
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Location
Modern Name
Bangkok
Country
Thailand
Region
Southeast Asia
Coordinates
13.7516, 100.4927
Era
1784 CE - present
Site Type
Temple
About
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha within Bangkok's Grand Palace complex, enshrining a 66-cm jadite (not emerald) Phra Kaew Morakot Buddha, Thailand's most sacred religious object.
Significance
The most sacred site in Thailand; the Emerald Buddha is the palladium of the Thai nation and its possession historically legitimized the Thai monarchy.
History & Historical Arc
The image was discovered in Chiang Rai in 1434; kept in Chiang Mai and Vientiane before being brought to Bangkok in 1784…
Archaeological Notes
The Emerald Buddha's three seasonal gold costumes (summer, rainy season, winter) are changed by the King of Thailand in …
Key Features & Structures
- Phra Kaew Morakot (Emerald Buddha)
- Ubosot (main ordination hall)
Visitor Information
Open daily; modest dress required (sarong loans available at entrance). Combined ticket with Grand Palace; located on Sa…
Related Figures
King Rama I (Chakri dynasty founder)King Taksin
In the Bible
Source References
- Fine Arts Department of Thailand, 'Wat Phra Si Rattanasasadaram' (1982)