Wat Po, the oldest and largest Temple in
Bangkok. The first temple on the site was built in the 16th century. The
temple compound is very large and crammed with pavilions, walled gardens and
statues. There are over 90 chedis.
The temple, sometimes called Thailand's first
university was primarily regarded as a source of public education. The modern
school of traditional herbal medicine a language college and library are located here
Wat Po's most famous attraction is the
Reclining Buddha. The largest in Thailand at 46 meters long and 15 meters high,
covered entirely in gold leaf.
The
Buddha is long and the hall is dark so we used two flash guns with the second one being
fired with a remote slave switch.
The soles of the feet are 15 1/2 meters high
and covered with intricate inlaid mother of pearl designs showing the 108
ancient signs of the Buddha. All the more interesting as Buddhists usually have a
very low regard for the feet.
