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Wat Arun perhaps known as the Temple of the Dawn (because the first light of morning is reflected off the surface of the temple with a pearly irridescence), is one of the best known landmarks and one of the most published images of Bangkok.
The temple is located in the Bangkok Yai district, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.The full name of the temple is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahavihara.
The outstanding feature of Wat Arun is its central prang (Khmer-style tower). Steep steps lead to the two terraces. The height is reported by different sources as between 66,80 m and 86 m. The corners are surrounded by 4 smaller satellite prangs. The prangs are decorated by seashells and bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China. Around the base of the prangs are various figures of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals. Over the second terrace are four statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on Erawan.
Prang of Wat ArunAt the riverside are 6 pavilions (sala) in Chinese style. The pavilions are made of green granite and contain landing bridges.
Next to the prangs is the Ordination Hall with the Niramitr Buddha image supposedly designed by King Rama II. The front entrance of the Ordination Hall has a roof with a central spire, decorated in coloured ceramic and stuccowork sheated in coloured china. There are 2 demons, or temple guardian figures in front.
The temple was built in the days of Thailand's ancient capital of Ayutthaya and originally known as Wat Makok (The Olive Temple). In the ensuing era when Thonburi was capital, King Taksin changed the name to Wat Chaeng.
The Wat had a brief period as host of the Emerald Buddha, which was moved to Wat Phra Kaew in 1784.
The later King Rama II. changed the name to Wat Arunratchatharam. He restored the temple and enlarged the central prang. The work was finished by King Rama III. King Rama IV gave the temple the present name Wat Arunratchawararam.
As a sign of changing times, Wat Arun officially ordained its first westerner in 2005. Sean Patrick from America.
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