Grand Palace

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Grand Palace 007.jpg (39099 bytes) Wat Phra Keo,

Temple of  The Emerald Buddha

The temple was built in 1782 to house the effigy known as the Emerald Buddha, carved from a single piece of jade and an object of veneration throughout Thailand.

Discovered in  Chang  Rai 1464 it had many homes before coming to rest on top of a 33' gilded altar.  Above is a nine tiered umbrella and on either side are crystal balls representing the sun and moon.

Three times a year the King changes the Buddha's robes.

It is strictly forbidden to take photos in the Temple and rolls of exposed film on display at the entrance serve as a reminder.
Palace Courtyard Grand Palace 008.jpg (39966 bytes)
Grand Palace 009.jpg (39661 bytes) Surrounding the temple compound are cloisters  the walls of which are painted with murals depicting the story of the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Indian Ramayana epic.   The marble slabs set into these pillars are inscribed with Thai poems describing each episode of the story.

The ornately decorated walls of the blue tiled sanctuary of Wat Phra Keo.   Lines of mythical Garuda birds surround the base.

Built in imitation of  the Royal Temple of the Grand Palace of  the ancient capital of  Ayuthaya.

 Grand Palace 010.jpg (43315 bytes)
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