Grand Palace and Green Emerald Temple.

Wat Phra Kaew (Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) History • Wat Phra Kaew or its full name “Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram” (Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram) was built during the reign of King Rama I of Rattanakosin in 2325 (the year that Rattanakosin was established as the capital city). • The main purpose of building this temple was to be the “temple of the Grand Palace” and to enshrine the Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Rattana Patimakorn or commonly known as the Emerald Buddha, which is the most sacred Buddha image in the country. • The design of Wat Phra Kaew was inspired by Wat Phra Si Sanphet in the Royal Palace during the Ayutthaya period, but with the addition of the art of Rattanakosin decoration in a magnificent way. Importance • Wat Phra Kaew does not have monks residing because it is a royal temple built specifically for worship, not a general community Buddhist temple. • The Emerald Buddha, which is enshrined in the ordination hall, is a Buddha image carved from a single piece of green jade. It is believed to be the Buddha image that brings prosperity to the country. • Changing the Emerald Buddha's costume three times a year (summer, rainy season, winter) by the king is an important royal ceremony that has been passed down since the reign of King Rama I. • Wat Phra Kaew is also the venue for important royal ceremonies such as the coronation ceremony, the royal blessing ceremony, and various royal merit-making ceremonies. The Grand Palace History • The Grand Palace is the royal palace built at the same time as the establishment of Rattanakosin in 1782 by King Rama I. • In the beginning, the Grand Palace was small. Later, the area was expanded and additional construction was built during the reigns of later kings, especially during the reigns of King Rama IV and King Rama V, when Western art was incorporated. • The palace is divided into several parts, such as: • Phra Maha Monthian (the throne hall for important royal ceremonies) • Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall (a mix of Thai and Western art) • Inner Palace (Area for Queens and Royal Consorts) Importance • The Grand Palace was the residence of Thai kings from the reign of King Rama I to King Rama V (currently, the king resides at Dusit Palace and other palaces, but the Grand Palace is still used for important government ceremonies). • It was the political and religious center of the early Rattanakosin period. • It was the venue for royal ceremonies, welcoming guests, and the royal water pouring ceremony. • The palace itself represents the prosperity of Thai arts and culture because it brings together art from various eras, such as early, middle, and late Rattanakosin art, as well as Western art. • It is home to Wat Phra Kaew, which is considered the “spiritual heart” of the Thai nation. #bangkok #thailand #grandpalacebangkok #nanapatiew