The official name of the temple is Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram ("The Temple with the Jewel of the Buddha") and it is considered one of the most important and famous temples in Thailand. The reason for the great popularity is probably the greenish and unique Buddha statue standing there, made of precious gems. The temple was built in 1784 and has since undergone many upgrades with the exchange of royalty in Thailand. It is still used today as a place of Buddhist worship. When it is not active as a religious place, it becomes a popular tourist attraction.
Surprisingly, the statue in question is incredibly small, and less impressive than the giant Buddhist statues found in temples across the country. It stands only 66 cm tall. Apparently the size does not matter, because it is considered the most sacred item in Thai culture! Only the royals are allowed to touch it and this happens in a big ceremony, 3 times a year. Despite its name, it is not made of emerald but of mix Other gems like jade are known. The origin of the statue is also unknown, it is believed to have originated as early as the 15th century and was brought from Sri Lanka or India. Archaeologists are not allowed to approach the statue to solve the mystery.
A temple with the same name is in northern Thailand, in the city of Chiang Rai. The same temple was built as a tribute to the temple in Bangkok and contains a replica of the famous Buddha statue.
In addition to the Buddha statue, you can see impressive and interesting works of art in the temple. Unlike the Emerald statue, the other statues invite visitors to approach, place an offering and even touch to win luck, success or love. Other exhibits on site include a library containing hundreds of ancient scriptures, special wall paintings and a model of the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia.
code of conduct and dress - In accordance with the sanctity of the place, visitors are required not to take pictures inside the temple. Also, it is forbidden to turn your back or point at the statue and of course not to touch the thing. To respect the place, visitors are expected not to chew gum or bring food into the temple.
To enter the place you will have to leave your shoes outside the temple and of course dress modestly, meaning not tight or revealing. The matter of clothing is strictly enforced and also includes a ban on wearing torn jeans and prints with religious allusions (those with such tattoos will be asked to cover up). If you did not arrive dressed accordingly, local residents will take advantage of the matter and try to sell you suitable items of clothing near the temple.
How to get there - The temple is nearby The Grand Palace of Bangkok, which is a very popular tourist attraction in itself. It is very worthwhile to combine a tour of both places and arrive early to avoid long lines at the entrance. Arriving at the complex can to be done in a taxi Or through the city's river in boats called river-taxi. Get off at the "Elephant Pier" - Tha Chang Pier.
Prices - The visit to the temple is included in a combined ticket with a visit to the palace (the purchase is made at the entrance desk in the palace). The price for tourists is 500 baht.
Opening times - Every day, 15:30-8:30.
