I was honored and excited to attend her neighborhood temple with Nop. The service began just after sun set, and I was the only traveler in attendance.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Macha Bucha Day... Sunset at the neighborhood temple... Ayuthaya
I was honored and excited to attend her neighborhood temple with Nop. The service began just after sun set, and I was the only traveler in attendance.
Macha Bucha Day... Sunset at the neighborhood temple... Ayuthaya
I was supposed to have gotten on a train this morning, headed for Lopburi. I needed to change money at a bank to pay my bill at the guetshouse. Imagine my frustration after bicycling to every bank in town only to find them all closed with a big sign explaining why... in Thai of course. I guessed it must be a Buddhist Holiday... it seems like there area a few every month, but I don't know the significance or timing... this day was also full moon, which I don't think was a coincidence. The owner of my guesthouse confirmed my suspicions... there was no way to change dollars into baht today,which meant there was no way I was leaving Ayuthaya today. I was a bit frustrated over my sudden change of plans, but decided it was OK... I was enjoying myself here at any rate. The owner,Nop, a very sweet, very tiny elderly Thai woman in her 80's invited me to come to temple with her that night to celebrate this day... Macha Bucha.
Ayuthaya, Thailand...giant reclining Buddha
There was something outrageous around every curve in the road in Ayuthaya!
Wat Phra Si Sanphet... Ayuthaya,Thailand
As at every temple, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering the main hall. I follow the rules.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet... Ayuthaya,Thailand
This complex was the largest and most sprawling in the city. There were bus loads of tour groups here, but most people seemed to stay around the main area. I had no problem finding quiet spots for contemplation. The ruins in this complex consisted of a large temple area with many towers, and a large "palace" area. This complex was built to house the King and his family, and served as the royal place of worship when it was first built hundreds of years ago.
Wat Thummikarat... Ayuthaya,Thailand... Main Hall Ruins
This place felt very stately. The grounds were isolated and quiet. The second photo is a closer look at the remains of the central Buddha figure at the front of this large hall. It was unique to see these walls still standing at such a height. Many of the other ruined buildings in town would have originally been that large, but their walls had fallen long ago. Wat Thummikarat was a small place, tucked away at the end of a dead end road. There were the two ruins and a more modern, active wat on the site as well.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Wat Mahatat... Ayuthaya, Thailand... Money Shot!
This image is the most famous image in town. People literally line up to get a chance at a photo. Over time a giant bodhi tree has grown it's roots around this dismembered Buddha head. Bodhis are sacred trees in Buddhism, as it was while meditating under a bodhi tree that Buddha achieved enlightenment.
Wat Mahatat... Ayuthaya, Thailand...leaning towers
Did I mention that this city was built at the confluence of three rivers? Buildings do tend to settle a bit over the ages on such marshy ground.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Wat Mahatat... Ayuthaya, Thailand
This temple complex was my second favorite place in Ayuthaya. It was a large area with MANY small temples, monuments and Buddha images. I would have liked it more, but there was about a hundred other people there and it was difficult to find a quiet spot here. The ruins were incredible though and I still spent a few hours wandering around in awe, dodging the larger tour groups when I could.
Ruins of Wat Ratburrana... Ayuthaya, Thailand
On my second day in town I rented a bicycle to explore all the ruins on the island itself. There were MANY... this one was my favorite though. The main temple was really well preserved with intricate sculptures. The whole grounds had a peaceful feel with a lot of trees for shade. There were many Buddha images, but almost all of them had their heads lopped off. WTF? Here is a small collection of some left over heads.
Sunsets on the rivers and temples of Ayuthaya, Thailand.
Ayuthaya is a beautiful city! It is actually an island, surrounded by three rivers. At the south side of the island the rivers all converge to from the Mae Naam Chao Phraya, the large river that flows through Bangkok. It is a city filled with ancient temples in varying stages of ruin. Many of these temples can only be visited by boat... which makes them all the more beautiful! Approached by boat, soaking in the red glow of sunset, their artful beauty was made even more astounding!!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Sunday, March 02, 2008
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