 Vihara of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho, Bangkok
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The Vihara of the Reclining Buddha or Phra Buddhasaiyas is the building that houses the famous Reclining Buddha of Bangkok. Located at the northwest corner of Wat Pho, it is one of the most popular places in Wat Pho.
Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho (28 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho, from earlier visit (30 December 2002)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
The Vihara of the Reclining Buddha was constructed by King Rama III in 1832. The Reclining Buddha was built first, and then the chapel was built over it. The job was headed by Krom Muen Pumintarapakdi, who was the head of the department of "ten crafts". The Buddha was built of stuccoed bricks and then gilded with gold leaves.
The Reclining Buddha measures 46 meters (150 feet) in length and 15 meters in height at the head. The famous smile is 5 feet wide. Its feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl illustrating the 108 lakshanas or auspicious characteristics of the Buddha. The statue is so big that the chapel just about blanket it over - making photography of the statue a challenge. The inner walls of the chapel is decorated with murals depicted various legends.
Reclining Buddha in full, from top (28 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Reclining Buddha in full, from bottom (28 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
The lakshana on the feet of the Buddha in mother-of-pearl (28 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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