The Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) – Interesting Facts and Incidents

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, commonly known as Wat Pho, is one of Bangkok’s most iconic and historically significant temples. Located adjacent to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is renowned for its massive Reclining Buddha statue, its role as a center for traditional Thai medicine and massage, and its extensive collection of Buddha images.

As one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho attracts millions of visitors each year. Here are some fascinating facts and notable incidents about the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho):

1. Ancient Origins: Wat Pho, officially known as Wat Phra Chetuphon, is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok, Thailand. It was originally established in the 16th century and later extensively rebuilt by King Rama I in the late 18th century.
2. The Reclining Buddha: The temple is famous for its enormous Reclining Buddha statue, which measures 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height. The statue is covered in gold leaf and depicts Buddha in a state of serene repose before entering Nirvana.
3. Symbolic Feet: The feet of the Reclining Buddha are 3 meters high and 4.5 meters long, decorated with mother-of-pearl inlays showing the 108 auspicious characteristics of the true Buddha.
4. Center of Learning: Wat Pho is considered Thailand’s first public university. It has long been a center for traditional Thai medicine and massage, and it still operates a massage school where visitors can receive traditional Thai massages.
5. The Birthplace of Thai Massage: Wat Pho is recognized as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. The temple’s medical and massage school was established in 1955 and continues to teach traditional Thai massage techniques.
6. Royal Temple of the First Grade: Wat Pho is one of six temples in Thailand classified as the highest grade of the royal temples. This designation underscores its importance and historical significance.
7. Library of Stone Inscriptions: Wat Pho is home to a collection of stone inscriptions that serve as an educational resource. These inscriptions cover various subjects, including literature, astronomy, archaeology, and traditional Thai medicine.
8. Public Accessibility: Unlike many other sacred sites, Wat Pho has always been accessible to the public, reflecting its role as a center of education and culture.
9. Annual Ceremonies: Wat Pho hosts several important religious ceremonies throughout the year, including the annual celebration of the Reclining Buddha. These events attract both locals and tourists, adding to the temple’s vibrant cultural atmosphere.
10. Close to the Grand Palace: Wat Pho is conveniently located adjacent to the Grand Palace, making it a popular destination for tourists visiting Bangkok’s historic district.
11. Recognized by UNESCO: In 2008, the temple’s traditional Thai massage was recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, highlighting its global significance.

Notable Incidents

1. Flooding Incident: In 2011, severe flooding in Bangkok affected Wat Pho, leading to concerns about damage to the temple’s historical structures and artifacts. Efforts were made to protect the Reclining Buddha and other valuable items, and the temple was temporarily closed to visitors.
2. Fire Incident: In 2008, a fire broke out in one of the temple’s buildings, causing damage to some of the structures. The cause of the fire was believed to be an electrical fault. Fortunately, the Reclining Buddha and other major artifacts were unharmed, and restoration work quickly commenced.
3. Restoration Controversy: During a major restoration project in the 1980s, there was a controversy regarding the methods used to clean and restore the Reclining Buddha. Critics argued that some of the techniques could potentially damage the ancient statue. The restoration was completed successfully, but the incident highlighted the challenges of preserving such significant historical artifacts.
4. Theft Incident: In 2014, there was an attempted theft of some of the temple’s valuable stone inscriptions. The thieves were caught, and the stolen items were recovered. This incident led to increased security measures at Wat Pho to protect its treasures.
5. Protests and Political Unrest: Wat Pho, like many significant landmarks in Bangkok, has occasionally been impacted by political protests and unrest. During periods of heightened political tension, the temple has seen disruptions and increased security to ensure the safety of visitors and the preservation of its cultural heritage.