Wat Benchamabophit Marble Temple Palace- Splendid Reverie
Wat Benchamabophit Bangkok, Thailand or most commonly known as the Marble Temple is a wat located within Bangkok’s Dusit District. In Bangkok, it is a norm or trademark to overindulge on wats or temples wherein one can find Buddha of various sizes and forms, but one will realize that there is something unique and exquisite about the Marble Temple that other temples do not have. The Marble Temple is regarded as one of the most elegant and beautiful temples in Bangkok.
A Beauty of Bangkok
The wat itself resembles the flamboyant style of design of temples in Thailand which are prominent for high gables, intricate finials and stepped-out roofing. Wat Benchamabophit Bangkok, Thailand as the Marble Palace lives to its name beaming with white Carrara marble which originated in Italy. The pillars and courtyard of the wat are all made of the said marble as well while the insides of the wat are even beautified by gold and lacquer crossbeams. The bot’s entrance is also guarded by two big singhas. Singhas are mystical lions that symbolize great power in Thailand’s mythology.
The core of the bot is a Buddha statue made of gold situated latently against a well lighted blue background. A wat has a bot to serve as its ordination hall. This is where monks assemble for their religious rites or vows. Beyond the main ordination hall the cloister housing about 52 Buddha images can be found. This number of Buddha images represents the different countries and regions who all worship Buddha.
Behind the abbey or cloister the Bodhi tree can be spotted. This enormous tree was a gift for King Rama V who is also known as King Chulalongkorn. The Bodhi tree, distinguished for having heart-shaped leaves, is a significant emblem or symbol in Buddhism. This is the tree where Buddha sat and achieved his Enlightenment.
Responsible for the notable European glamour of the design of the wat is Prince Naris who happens to be King Rama V’s half-brother. The construction of the temple was made in 1899 as a fulfillment to the request made by the King after his palace was built. The temple has the literal meaning of “the Temple of the fifth King located nearby Dusit Palace”. The Marble Palace, compared to that of the other temples, is not crowded or populated by tourists. This allows anyone to savor on the trance this place offers and exudes.
This wat is also where King Rama IX also known as King Bhumibhol Adulyadej spent his youth as a monk. Wat Benchamabophit Bangkok, Thailand not only amuses and strikes tourists by its impeccable architecture and design. It also provides a house wherein religious festivals and worships can take place. In the early mornings, tourists can witness monks chant in the central chapel.
Monks are also rendered visits from merit-makers. The monks will receive donations such as incense, curry, lotus buds, toilet papers, rice, soap, candles, robes, flip-flops, and everything a monk may need. The act of making merits or “tamboon” as they call it is the Thai people’s belief of improving prospects in the afterlife.
