Phra Pathom Chedi is perhaps the oldest Buddhist monument in Thailand. It stands in the small town of Nakhon Pathom which is about 60 kilometers South of Bangkok. Its name is loosely translated as “place of first worship” and is the highest stupa in the world, reaching as high as 120 meters in the air. A stupa is large mound that contains Buddhist relics that are usually associated with the Buddha or a saint. The Phra Pathom Chedi is first mentioned in the scripts in 675 and has had an interesting and rich history through the centuries.
A new Chedi was built at the site during the reign of King Mongut. This is the one that is still in existence and replaced the one before it, which was possibly 2000 years old. The temple that houses the Chedi is recognized as one of the six highest royal temples in Buddhist culture. One of the beliefs associated with this Chedi is that anyone who is able to strike all of its bells receives recognition and merit from the gods. The site is a popular destination for Buddhist faith followers and tourists who are eager to learn about and experience the fine aspects of Thai culture. It is common for a visitor who is staying in one of the Bangkok business hotels to make the journey south of the city to experience this historic marvel.
The Chedi also houses the National Musuem of Phra Pathom Chedi. It contains some of the most rare and ancient artifacts of Thai culture. The museum has become a center of history and archeological research. One of the sacred relics at the museum is the Phra Ruang Rochanarit. This piece is considered to be one of the best examples of a bronze sculpture of Buddha created in the Sukhothai style. This style of sacred art represents the Buddha in the parlay-lai and pang silo kao postures.
Related posts: