A Wat is very simply a Buddhist temple, where historically, it was the center of learning. No one writes specifically about Wat Phra Kaeo , as it usually gets mentioned via the Grand Palace visit. However, as temples go, this is the most important in all of Thailand and the most revered, as it houses the Emerald Buddha image (Phra Kaeo)since 1782. The image was carved from a single block of jade. .There are no monks living here, as this Wat serves as a royal chapel.
It is strictly forbidden to take pictures while in the chapel, but one can see his image on any number of websites where people have captured a photo by zooming in from the outside.
The story surrounding this image is interesting; in the mid 15th century, the Emerald Buddha was found, covered in plaster, in Chiang Rai, a city north of Bangkok. From there it was moved to Lampang by a king ? and toward the last quarter of the 15th century, yet another Chiang Mai king called it his own. Around 1550, through political machinations of marriage and power, the Buddha was moved to Laos, were it remained for a dozen years or so. When the capital of Laos was changed to Ventiane, the Emerald Buddha followed suit and had a rest there for over 200 years. Finally captured as a city by King Rama I, the image was brought back to Thonburi, a name that at the time designated Bangkok. And it arrived at the Temple specifically built for it in 1784.
The temple itself is small by comparison to the other mammoth and magnificent buildings of the Grand Palace. At the entrance are gargatuan mythical lions called singhas , and the huge door panels are inlaid with mother of pearl. When I went into the chapel at first, I couldn't find the Buddha. Our guide pointed it out to me, as it sits on a very high pedestal which measures 11 meters. It is surrounded by umbrellas, much the same as the ones we had seen in Bali, during ceremonies. Our guide then showed us, in photos, the three seasonal costumes worn by the Buddha, which are summer, winter and rainy. His majesty, the King, presides over each costume change.
The walls are covered with paintings which are too fantastic to be able to describe. Two large Buddha images stand in front of the altar; they are dedications of a grandson to his father and grandfather, Kings Rama I and II. A series of paintings depicting special events in the life of Lord Buddha are set above the window frames; the ones behind the altar denote Buddhist Cosmology.
Please ensure that you are dressed respectfully when you visit; this means no bare arms or legs. In the event that you lapse, they will rent you clothing with a Bs. 100 deposit which you can get back upon returning.