Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHAT'S A WÁT?
Bangkok is home to hundreds of wáts, temple compounds that have traditionally been at the centre of community
life.
Buildings & Structures
Even the smallest wát will usually have a
bóht, wí·hăhn
and monks' living quarters.
»
Bóht
The ordination hall, most sacred prayer room at a wát
.
Aside from the fact it does not house the main
Buddha image, you'll know the
bóht
because it is usually more ornately decorated and has eight cornerstones to
mark its boundary.
»
Chedi (stupa)
A large bell-shaped tower usually containing five structural elements symbolising (from bot-
tom to top) earth, water, fire, wind and void; depending on the wát, relics of the Buddha, a Thai king or some oth-
er notable are housed inside.
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Drum Tower
Elevates the ceremonial drum beaten by novices.
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Mon·dòp
An open-sided, square building with four arches and a pyramidal roof, used to worship religious
objects or texts.
»
Ъ
rahng
A towering phallic spire of Khmer origin serving the same religious purpose as a
chedi.
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Săh·lah (sala)
A pavilion, often open-sided, for relaxation, lessons or miscellaneous activities.
»
Wí·hăhn (vihara)
The sanctuary for the temple's main Buddha image and where laypeople come to make
their offerings. Classic architecture typically has a three-tiered roof representing the triple gems: the Buddha (the
teacher), Dharma (the teaching) and Sangha (the followers).
Buddha Images
Elongated earlobes, no evidence of bone or muscle, arms that reach to the knees, a third eye: these are some of
the 32 characteristics, originating from 3rd-century India, that govern the depiction of the Buddha in sculpture
and denote his divine nature. Other symbols to be aware of are the various hand positions and 'postures', which
depict periods in the life of the Buddha.
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Sitting
Teaching or meditating. If the right hand is pointed towards the earth, the Buddha is subduing the
demons of desire. If the hands are folded in the lap, the Buddha is meditating.
