The lotus flower is a very important part of Thai life. It is also the most commonly found flower in Thailand. It is found in ponds, swamps, canals and also in the temples of Thailand.

Besides being used in temples and prayers, lotus also has medicinal properties and is used extensively in traditional Thai medicine. Besides this, many handicrafts across Thailand are inspired by the beauty of this flower.

Every year on the 14th full moon night in October, the Lotus Flower festival is held at Bang Phi in Samut Prakan district of Thailand. This festival is celebrated one day before end of the Buddhist Lent. Bang Phi is renowned for its lotus flowers which grows in abundance here. People from all across Thailand come here year in and year out, collect the lotus flowers and offer them to the monks. This Lotus Flower Festival is considered as one of the merit making festivals in Thailand.

During the festival, the image of Buddha is carried on a boat. This image is a replica of Luang Poh To Buddha image. People stand on either sides of the canal and they throw lotus flowers on the boat carrying the Buddha image. These flowers are meant as homage to Lord Buddha, Dhamma and Sangka. The local people also throw lotus flowers on the boats’ of the visitor as a gesture of welcoming them to join the festival.

As per traditions, Buddhist from across Thailand come to this district to pick flowers to offer to monks. The local people consider this as an honor and believe they will be blessed so they volunteer to keep the flowers to distribute it to the visitors. This tradition has become known as the Lotus Receiving Festival or Rap Bua festival.

Tags : Thailand Buddha, Thailand Buddhism, Thailand Religion

Visiting a temple during your Bangkok tour is a must in your itinerary. There are several world famous temples nestled within the capital itself. You can distinguish a temple even from a distance when you see a dazzling golden chedi soaring towards the heavens. Chedi are tapering structures built as a repository to enshrine sacred relics. Temples in Bangkok are the best places to discover the splendour of Thai religious architecture. You will see multi-gabled roofs adorned with ornate gilded motifs as well as chedi and statues of all sizes among other things.

While some temples in Bangkok display Thai architecture, others have been influenced by Khmer architecture. One of the notable features of Khmer style are prangs, with the formation of four mini prangs surrounding a massive central prang. A prang is an elaborately ornate corncob like structure that rises like a tapering pillar.

Every inch of a Khmer style temple is decorated with stunning relief carvings that are truly enchanting. Wat Arun in Bangkok Yai District resting on the western riverside of Chao Phraya River is a good example for a Khmer style Thai temple. You could capture an impressive iridescent from this temple during dawn, hence it has earned the name Temple of the Dawn.

Rising with a golden glamour is the world renowned Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This temple sits next to the famous Grand Palace and claims to be one of the most frequently visited tourist attractions in Bangkok, Thailand. Wat Phra Kaew enshrines the country’s most sacred Emerald Buddha, a remarkable statue of Buddha painstakingly carved off a single chunk of jade. You will discover a splendid trove of Thai and Khmer artistry here. Become awed by the giant mythical statues, admire golden structures and decorations and be delighted to discover a model of the world famous Angkor Wat in miniature form.

Among other temples in Bangkok another famous attraction is Wat Pho, sitting near the Wat Phra Kaew. Wat Pho houses an impressive statue of reclining Buddha that stretches about 46 metres in length and embellished in golden leaf. What’s more is the feet of the Buddha are three metres in length and display striking relief carvings on mother of pearl. These are said to be the sacred characteristics of Buddha, represented symbolically.

Tags : Bangkok Temples, Oriental Religious Architecture, Thai Temple