Wat Pho

The ancient Buddha housed in Phra Ubosot

Wat Pho is a Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok that covers 22 acres. It houses Thailand's largest collection of Buddha images (over 1000) including a 150ft long reclining golden Buddha. The reclining position represents a dying Buddha entering nirvana. The soles of his feet are very ornate and made of mother of pearl. Wat Pho also contains a school of traditional Thai medicine and massage, which is also Thailand's very first university. Many Buddhas at Wat Pho were brought there from several ruin sites across the country that were destroyed by the Burmese. The largest is housed in a temple called Phra Ubosot, which is the main temple for rituals making it the most sacred in all of Wat Pho. Phra Ubosot was built in the mid 1700s, however the golden Buddha it holds is at least 500 years old. Cremated ashes of the king who brought the Buddha from ancient ruins to Phra Ubosot were placed in its pedestal. Wat Pho is located next to the Grand Palace grounds which is where Thailand's King holds meetings and ceremonies. 

Reclining Buddha

The reclining Buddha's feet are so pretty!