The Emerald Buddha Temple & Grand Palace

The Grand Palace & The Emerald Buddha Temple was built in 1782 by King Rama I

🔹 Used to be the official residence of the Kings of Chakri Dynasty (1782 - Present)

🔹 Used to be the administrative center of Thailand at the time of absolute monarchy

🔹 The ceremonial center of Thailand which truly great pride for all Thai people

The Royal Pantheon was built in 1855 by King Rama IV. There are nine statues of the previous Kings are enshrined inside this building where is opened annually on Chakri Memorial Day (April 6th) - A national holiday in Thailand.

The Royal Pantheon is crossed shape building with colored glass mosaics decoration. The exterior walls of the pantheon are decorated with blue tiles with floral motifs. There are seven pairs of mythological figures decorate the terrace, made of bronze and gilded with gold leaf. These are half-animal half-human celestial beings which, according to tradition, inhabited the mythical Himavanta forest.

The Emerald Buddha │ The National Buddha image of Thailand.

Photo by @kon_teaw_wat คนเที่ยววัด Thank you for beautiful detailed photos

🔹 The most highly respected buddha image for Thai people. The Emerald Buddha image is carved from emerald green nephrite jade in 15th century. 66 centimeters, 26 inches tall.

🔹 Corresponding evidence indicates that it was first found enshrined in the stupa, chedi at Wat Pa Ya temple in Chiang Rai province. In 1434, the sky had broken down the chedi until it collapsed. Found a Buddha image covered with lacquer plaster and gilded with gold. The mortar around the nose was cracked off and seen as emerald, therefore cracked off all the cement and seen as the whole body of emerald jade.

🔹 The Emerald Buddha is adorned with three sets of gold seasonal decorations summer, rainy, and winter. The three seasonal decorations are changed by the King of Thailand usually around March, August, and November.