Travels in Thailand - Part 2

...a visit from cutenekko's brother and girlfriend, continues...

Yesterday, I mentioned a tour we took to visit several temples. The second stop was the infamous "Wat Pho". Inside, it plays host to the most iconic Buddhist statue in Thailand -- the Reclining Buddha.

We entered the main hall to view the head...

...then the feet:

After walking to the end, I snapped a photo of the soles of Buddha's feet. It shows 108 scenes, which reflect the 108 symbols which represent Buddha. They are inlaid with Mother of Pearl stones.

Soles: 

I had been before, so I snapped a photo of some lesser seen sights at this temple -- a smaller Buddha statue for example:

Next, we explored the outer grounds of the temple, which is one of the largest in Bangkok. Our guide explained these large statues, from China, can be found all over the temple complex:

They were used as balances inside wooden trading ships when they returned to Thailand from China. They have no purpose at the temple and are only used for decoration.

Next, he explained the many pagodas on the temple grounds. These are used to store the ashes of family members, usually, one pagoda per family.

A pagoda: 

To place the ashes inside, one uses a special tool to open a stone which has 5 holes in it. Can you see in the photo below, these 5-holed stones?

Listed on the base of the pagoda were the names of family members inside. In Asia, it's common to cremate bodies, rather than bury them (as we often do in Canada).
Names: 

While looking carefully, I spotted a lazy cat...or guardian of the family ashes?

Wat Pho is also famous for housing a large number of Buddha statues -- there are supposedly, over 1000! They were placed here to prevent thieves from stealing or selling them overseas.
Statues: 

Many of the statues are very detailed and elaborate.
One statue: 

Close up of the statue's base: 

We walked toward the inner court, to view the Buddhist image here, which houses the ashes of King Rama (the first? or the third?..sorry, I am not sure.) While on the way, I spotted my country's flag! ^_^

Oh Canada! 

The Buddhist image inside was quite amazing...

Outside, I found an unusual statue. Is he molesting himself??? (laugh)

This statue is another example of the Chinese made carvings used as
 balances inside wooden trading ships that traveled back and forth to Thailand.

Finally, we wrapped up our tour of Wat Pho at the most famous photo spot, which showcases the numerous pagodas. I got a photo:

I hope you enjoyed Wat Pho. It's a "must see" when in Bangkok.
Check again tomorrow to view another temple and more travels in the city. ^_^

Information about Wat Pho can be found HERE. Access: Maharat Road, OR take a river bus from BTS Sapan Taksin and then get off at Tha Tian Pier. Open: 08.00 -- 17.00 everyday.