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Wat Saket -
The Golden Mount
Wat Saket is a well-known tourist destination in
Bangkok, and is famous for its 260 feet tall Golden
Mount, the towering gold chedi, which once
used to be the highest point of the capital. The temple
itself belongs originally to the Ayutthaya era, when it
was called Wat Sakae. Like many other similar temples,
the Wat was reconstructed and beautified by King Rama I
during 1782-1909. The Golden Mount is actually an
artificial hill which was constructed by King Rama III
during 1824-1851. The hill and the temple have been
subsequently rebuilt with stronger foundations by
several kings of the Rama dynasty. Several renovations
and installations later, the mount has acquired its
present status and scenario.
The temple’s golden chedi is enshrined with a relic of
the Buddha, and the statue is rumored of Indian or
Nepalese origins.
It is interesting to note that Wat Saket has been
used as a site for cremation and burial ceremonies. The
fact was that since cremation and burial were not
permitted inside the walls of the city, this temple has
been used to do so. During a plague in the reign of King
Rama II (1809-1824), 30,000 bodies were brought and
cremated here.
Attractions
Tourists from all around the world make it a point to
visit the temple to see the legendary Golden Mount,
which can only be reached after leaving 318 steps behind
you. Though a tedious task for some, for the adventure
loving, it’s an exhilarating trip. The exhausting climb
to the top is well worth it as you will be rewarded with
a spectacular view of old Rattanakosin Island and
the myriad city of Bangkok. However, it is also the
temple’s long historic past and its use as a cremation
and burial site that attract visitors.
Festivals
Wat Saket is also known for the annual Loy
Kratong festival, which it hosts every late October
to mid-November much to the delight of the tourists who
see it as an opportunity to get in touch with the local
culture. The festival is among the largest temple
festivals in Bangkok. During this festival, the Golden
Mount is wrapped with red cloth. A carnival like
atmosphere is to be seen around the mount. During this
festival tourists can participate and enjoy in the local
food and trinket stalls. There are different sources of
entertainment for the tourists like local theatre
performances, animal shows, freak shows, any many other
local means of entertainment. Prominent among the
festivities is a candlelight procession which trails up
to the Golden Mount.
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