The stunning Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn Buddhist temple

Posted by admin on March 22nd, 2008 filed in Day trips, Sightseeing, Temples

The breathtakingly beautiful Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn is located in the Bangbuathong district of Nonthaburi and its construction was recently completed. The temple, built by Chinese Buddhists, will absolutely delight and impress beginning as well as advanced photographers. This wonderful Buddhist peace of architecture was mainly built as a tribute to the Thai king, commemorating at that time the monarch’s 80th birthday and his 50th anniversary on the throne.

It happened 12 years ago when the construction plan was conceived by Phra Jariyaporn, the abbot of Wat Mangkornkamalavas and the Chinese Buddhist Sect’s vice-patriarch. He came to the conclusion that his temple, which annually received a visit by the king and queen, had become too small for its 200 monks and novices and the large number of worshippers.

During that time the environment of the new temple in Nonthaburi was rather small. The site was only occupied by a vegetarian cooking facility operated by Buddhist monks. Today, the site features the principal edifice along with three statues of the Lord Buddha, an additional religious building dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, and two amenities to accommodate the monks and novices.

Besides being a new monastery for those looking for inner peace and spiritual guidance, it is the temple’s aim is to become Thailand’s main Chinese Buddhist educational centre. Theravada is the only kind of Buddhism the Thais are familiar with and another goal of the centre is to offer Thai people more information on Mahayana Buddhism. Facts on Mahayana, the “Greater Vehicle”.

Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn’s gorgeous art created by using vibrant colours is influenced by the Chinese Qing and Ming dynasties. The majority of the handmade building material was produced in China such as the carved wood murals, the brass Buddha statues and the wonderful granite engraved columns.

Chinese Buddha statue

The structure’s design was created by several Thai and one Chinese architect who had designed many temples in China. The expenses of the temple were entirely covered by donations and the abbot announced it definitely wasn’t more than one billion baht. For those still thinking that’s a lot of money, the smiling abbot explained: “This temple can’t be any less luxurious because it is meant to honour the King.” By the way, the entrance is free!

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