Description: Wat Mahathat is the common short name of several important Buddhist temples in Thailand. The name means "Temple of the Great Relic", as these temples are said to always contain a relic of Buddha. While there are several temples named Wat Mahathat, their full names are usually unique.
This wat is in Bangkok near the Grand Palace. It is the headquarters of Thailand's largest monastic order and home of the Vipassana Meditation centre. Founded in the 18th century, this temple pre-dates the establishment of Bangkok, but was considerably altered after one of its monks, the young Prince Mongkut, later became King Rama IV of Thailand.
Although the temple is rather large, its grounds are crammed full of schools, offices, and other buildings. The entrances facing Sanam Luang are often closed, so you will generally need to enter the temple grounds from Mahathat Road. After picking your way through the buildings and parked cars, you will come to the entrance to the inner courtyard. The entrance may appear to be closed, but if the door is ajar you can generally walk right in. They seem to keep the door closed to shut out the noise of the outside world.
Inside, the courtyard is jammed full with a large ubosot (ordination hall) and an equally large wihan (place where ordinary people come to pray), plus an only slightly smaller mondop (a square building housing scriptures or special images). Somewhat surprisingly for such a crowded area, there is also room for a beautiful garden of tall palm trees towards the back of the courtyard.
The courtyard itself is lined with large Buddha images in various states of repair. Numerous memorials to departed loved ones line their bases. There is also the Supreme Patriarsh's residence, the Vihara Noi, where King Rama IV resided when he was a monk, and Akarn Watthu, or Red Building, which once housed Bangkok's first library. The statue of Prince Surasinghanart at the front of the temple was erected long after his death and is a product of the imagination rather than a portrait.
For those interested in meditation, this is the place. There are classes open to anyone. Although most programs are in Thai, there are some in English and the temple has become a popular place to learn the Vipassana Meditation (Insight Meditation). Classes are held daily from 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm. Time needed for practice will vary with each individual English-speaking monks assisting.
Just next to the temple, every Sunday is the Bangkok's largest amulet market, where religious amulets, charms, talismans, and traditional medicine are spread on the ground to be inspected by buyers looking for one that will bring good luck or ward off evil. During other times there are always some amulets for sale but Sunday is the best time. Different amulets are used for specific purposes; to bring money, restore health, deal with unrequited love or keep your enemies away. Choose carefully!
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