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Wat Phra Kaew
 Wat Phra Kaew, better known as the Temple of
the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Si Ratana Satsadaram),
is located within a separate complex in the compound of
the
Grand Palace that was consecrated in 1982. The
945,000 square meter ground encompass over 100 buildings
that represent more than 200 years of royal history and
architectural experimentation. Most of the architecture,
royal or sacred, can be classified Ratanakosin or old
Bangkok style, with minor variations such as the Emerald
Buddha for which Wat Phra Keaw is named. Supposedly this
is Thailand's holiest shrine and visitors from all over
the world come here to see the impressive statue of the
Emerald Buddha and the compounds beautiful and
breathtaking architectures.
The Main Attractions
Wat Phra Kaew’s main attraction is obviously the statue
of the Emerald Buddha which lies within the Grand
Palace, displayed in a huge bot built expressly to house
the diminutive figure. The statue is placed on top of a
huge golden altar right in the center of the temple,
measuring just 66cm, dark and made of green jasper. It
is interesting to note the seasonal change of the
statue's dress. Like many other Buddha statues in
Thailand, the Emerald Buddha is covered in a seasonal
costume – one to be worn in the hot season and one for
the rainy season. It was King Rama I, when he moved to
new Thai capital in Bangkok, who had these two royal
robes made for it. Later, King Rama III added another
seasonal robe to be worn in the cool season. These three
robes are still solemnly changed at the beginning of
each season by the king himself.
 It is told that there are miracles associated with the
Emerald Buddha, which makes it a more holy place
enhancing the reputation of Wat Phra Kaew. The temple is
visited by thousands of Buddhists who pay their respects
in front of the image of Buddha here, considered so
holy.
What Phra Keaw is also a visual treat for visitors
interested in Thai tradition and architecture. Some of
the finest examples of Buddhist sculpture, painting,
architecture and decoration can be discovered here. The
portico surrounding the shrine shows finest art of work
of Thai craftsmanship. The walls inside the compound
have decorated ornate murals which have pictorial
depictions of the Ramakien, the Thai national epic.
To the north of the library, within the palace grounds,
is a model of Angkor Wat, which is supposed to be the
most sacred of Cambodian shrines in Thailand.
For those who want to learn more and get a deeper
insight into the temple’s Emerald Buddha and the temple
itself have the opportunity to take a guided tour for a
better understanding of ancient Buddhist culture and
history. Tickets can be purchased directly at the
entrance.
History
 It is believed that the statue of the Emerald Buddha
within this shrine had its origins from Sri Lanka. Art
historians though are of the belief that the statue was
a product of the 14th-century Thai architecture.
Construction work for this temple have started in 1782,
coinciding with the year of foundation of Bangkok. The
main statue is in Emerald; it is 66-cm tall made of
jadeite and supposedly the most sacred of all Buddha
images made in Thailand.
After traveling through several hands and several places
finally in 1784, King Rama I reinstalled the precious
image of the Emerald Buddha in the present temple. The
temple is a symbol of Thai reverence and tradition since
then. The image and the shrine were also supposed to
reinstate the dynastic rule of the Chakri dynasty in
Thailand.
Getting there
You can take the
BTS Sky Train (Silom Line) to Saphan Taksin
station and from there use the Chao Phraya River Express
at Tha Sathon (Sathon Pier). Get off at Tha Chang, cross
the steer in front of you and walk up the road until you
see Slipakorn University on your left. Opposite the
university is Wat Phra Kaew.
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