The Marble Temple, or Wat Benchamabophit is considered to be one of Bangkok’s most beautiful and most modern temples. The Wat is noteworthy for its features incorporating European-inspired designs. The temple derives its name from the shimmering white Italian Carrara marble from which it is created.
Wat Benchamabophit was constructed in 1899 by the initiative of King Rama V’s half-brother, Prince Narai. The present Thai monarch spent his time as a Buddhist monk at this site prior to his official coronation. Today the temple is not just a majestic Thai shrine, but also functions as a place of study for monks following intellectual pursuits.
Most of the surfaces of the temple shimmer with the exquisite white marble from the quarries of Carrara, which is used extensively in its construction. Even the courtyard pavements are constructed from this precious material. The Wat differs from older temple compounds in the Thai capital by not featuring a centrally positioned chedi. The Wat instead features numerous buildings of smaller size which combine conventional Thai Buddhist architecture with European elements like stained-glass windows.
Pride of place goes to a large gold Buddha statue which rests against a blue illuminated background. Behind this figure the visitor will see a cloister featuring more than 50 Buddha figures in bronze displaying many varied styles; these images represent different Buddhist regions and countries.
The visitor will also see a majestic Bodhi tree, brought from Bodhgaya in India. This tree is considered to be a direct descendant of the tree under which Siddharta Gautama achieved Enlightenment and became the Buddha.
Wat Benchamabophit is an ideal venue for curious visitors to observe Buddhist processions and festivals. Unlike in most Buddhist temples in Thailand the monks do not venture out seeking alms; instead devotees bring them alms each morning. The resident monks chant mesmerically in the traditional manner within the main chapel each morning.
Visitors to Bangkok should make it a point to visit this majestic and beautiful temple which presents a unique spectacle not to be seen elsewhere.
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