THE NINE WONDERS OF WAT PHO

THE NINE WONDERS OF WAT PHO
New Mini-Light-and-Sound Presentation
27 September 2008 – 6 April 2009
At Wat Pho – Temple of The Reclining Buddha
Koh Rattanakosin (Rattanakosin Island) Bangkok
English version at 18.30/19.30/20.30 and 21.00 daily

Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimonmangklaraam Rajwaramahaviharn, a first grade royal monastery which was regarded as being the most important one during the reign of King Rama I of the illustrious Chakri dynasty, is more widely known to visitors as “Wat Pho”.

The 9 Wonders of Wat Pho, a newly-launched mini-light-and-sound multimedia presentation, helps visitors gain a better understanding and deeper appreciation of the centuries-old cultural heritage, traditional Thai values and beliefs, folk knowledge and way of life encapsulated by this historic landmark.

Unlike other mini-light-and-sound shows, the version being presented at Wat Pho from 27 September 2008 through to 6 April 2009 is the first of its kind. The presentation consists of nine separate stage sets; each highlights one of the following nine wonders of Wat Pho.

Phra Buddhasaiyas (Viharn Phranorn) The Viharn of the Reclining Buddha The Vihara (pronounced Viharn) of the Reclining Buddha houses the Reclining Buddha of the reign of King Rama III. This is the largest and one of the finest Buddha images to be found in the kingdom. The mother-of-pearl inlay at the feet of the image is of the Thai-Chinese style, as indicated by 108 auspicious signs portraying natural scenes of both Indian and Chinese influences. Sala Rai or Satellite Pavilions The North Pavilion is a library of inscriptions on Thai traditional massage. Thirty-two drawings of massage techniques are depicted on the ceiling of the veranda. There are also inscriptions of the first Thai proverbs known as Supasit Phra Ruang, Thai literary works called Kritsana Sorn Nong, and a portrait of the Royal Kathin Procession. Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn This consists of a group of four huge pagodas surrounded by a white wall with sheltered gates built in the Thai-Chinese style and decorated with colour-glazed tiles and Chinese rockery guardians. The pagodas consist of Phra Maha Chedi Sri Sanpetdayarn, Phra Maha Chedi Dilok Dhammakaroknitarn, Phra Maha Chedi Muni Batborikharn, and Phra Maha Chedi Song Phra Srisuriyothai. The Legend of Songkran The Nang Songkran legend involves King Kabilaprom and Prince Thammaban. These characters are depicted on the inner walls of the porticos constructed during the reign of King Rama III. The World Heritage Inscriptions Wat Pho and the Fine Arts Department have worked in cooperation to establish a museum of Buddha images in the different art styles. The images are classified into three major categories including Buddhist Art, the Buddha's Marks and the Buddha's Attitudes. Wat Pho has been included in the UNESCO Memory of the World (MOW) Programme for 2009. The temple was recognized for the historic inscriptions and hermit statues teaching traditional Thai yoga housed inside it. Wat Pho Giants The outer walls of the Phra Mondob feature a collection of famous Thai proverbs called Kloang Lokaniti and scenes from the legend about the fight between the giants of Wat Pho Giants and Wat Jaeng that resulted in the emergence of Tha Tien pier. Sala Karn Parien The Sala Karn Parien pavilion was built in the Ayutthaya period as the main chapel of Wat Phodharam and was later restored during the reign of King Rama III. The principal Buddha image of Wat Phodharam named "Phra Buddha Sassada" was once enshrined here. Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn The main chapel was constructed during the reign of King Rama I in the Ayutthaya style. The principal Buddha image is Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn in the gesture of a seated Buddha on a three-tiered pedestal called Phra Pang Smardhi. Contorted Hermit Mount The Contorted Hermit Mount was built during the reign of King Rama I. It was the centre of medical science and knowledge from the Ayutthaya period, reflected by statues of hermits or Rishi practicing physical exercises. Wat Pho is also winner of the Award of Outstanding Performance in the 7th Thailand Tourism Awards 2008 in the Cultural Tourist Site – Central Region award category. TICKETS Free admission throughout October 2008 1 November 2008 – 6 April 2009 Ticket price: 200 baht per person Purchase 10 tickets and receive one free ticket Contact information: Tel: +66 (0) 2226 0335, +66 (0) 2226 0339 Please call between 09.00 – 16.00 In ancient times, not only did Wat Pho serve as a centre of religious instruction, the royal monastery also served a centre of history, literature, art and culture, as well as medical science, physical therapy and other forms of traditional Thai healing. Considered to be the first open university providing education in traditional Thai medicine and traditional Thai massage, the temple is home to the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage and Medical School, which offers traditional Thai massage. The service is available from 08.00 – 22.00 daily. Pricing: Traditional Thai Massage: 220 baht for 30 minutes or 360 baht per hour Foot Massage: 360 baht for 45 minutes Traditional Thai massage using steamed herbal poultices: 480 baht per hour To book a session, or for further details, please call: Tel: +66 (0) 2221 2974 (press O), +66 (0) 2225 4771 Cellphone: 084 206 3580 Web site: www.watpho.com/en/home/index.php Contact: Tourism Authority of Thailand Email: info@tat.or.th Website: www.tat.or.th Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines) Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines) FOR EVENT INFORMATION, please call 1672. Address: 1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee Bangkok 10400 Thailand http://www.tatnews.org/