Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ancient Inscriptions
Encircling the Phra Ubosot is a low marble wall with 152 bas-reliefs depicting scenes
from the Ramakian. You'll recognise some of these figures when you exit the temple past
the hawkers with mass-produced rubbings for sale; these are made from cement casts
based on Wat Pho's reliefs. Nearby, a small pavilion has Unesco-recognised inscriptions
detailing the tenets of traditional Thai massage.
Stupas
On the western side of the grounds a collection of four towering stupas commemorates the
first four Chakri kings. Note the square bell shape with distinct corners, a signature of
Ratanakosin style, and the tiles emulating the colours of the Buddhist flag. Wat Pho's 91
smaller stupas include
chedi
(stupa) clusters containing the ashes of lesser royal descend-
ants.
Understand
Wat Pho's Rock Giants
Aside from monks and sightseers, Wat Pho is filled with an altogether stiffer crowd: dozens of giants and figur-
ines carved from granite. The rock giants first arrived in Thailand as ballast aboard Chinese junks and were put
to work in Wat Pho (and other wát, including Wat Suthat,
Click here
), guarding the entrances of temple gates
and courtyards. Look closely and you'll see an array of Chinese characters. The giants with bulging eyes and
Chinese opera costumes were inspired by warrior noblemen and are called Lan Than. The figure in a straw hat is
a farmer, forever interrupted during his day's work cultivating the fields. And can you recognise the guy in the
fedora-like hat with a trimmed beard and moustache? Marco Polo, of course, who introduced such European
styles to the Chinese court.
Phra Mondop
Also known as
hŏ r đrai
, and serving as a depository for Buddhist scriptures, the elevated
Phra Mondop is guarded by four
yaksha
, or giants. Legend has it that an argument
between the four (over money, of course) led to the clearing of the area known today as
Tha Tien. Just south of Phra Mondop is the currently reptile-free Crocodile Pond.
