Monday, April 07, 2008
Wat Mahatat... Sukkhothai
The symmetry of design within the Mahatat complex made for beautiful photos. From nearly any angle the many towers and monuments seemed to be in alignment.
Wat Mahatat... Sukkhothai
Close up of some of the remaining detail work on the largest tower in this complex.
Wat Mahatat... Sukkhothai
This was the first temple complex I came across as I rode my bike into the park through the front entrance. In order to reach the park I got a ride in the back of a pickup about 12 miles from New Sukkhothai to Old Sukkhothai... then rented a bicyicle at the entrance gate, purchased my entrance pass and was on my way to a FULL day of biking around all the temples and ruins in and around the Sukkhothai Historic Park.
Lopburi... more temples
Lopburi was another town, like Ayuthaya, where there were many old ruins interspersed amongst the modern town.
Lopburi town monkeys
So, there are several troops of monkeys. Some live exclusively inside the grounds of two different temples, while others have abandoned temple life for a more wordly existence on the streets of Lopburi... actually on the streets, on the wires, on the sides of buildings, on storefront awnings etc... They completely rule the city for about a 4 square block radius, but, oddly, are no where else in town. Look closely at the building and the wires...
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Bats!!! Lopburi
I was sitting quietly inside a temple when I heard some soft squeeking coming from overhead. I looked up to see this sight.... There were dozens of bats hanging vampire style directly overhead!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Lopburi monkey fun...
I used the kids as a diversion tactic and cautiously made my way into the heart of monkey territory!
Lopburi monkey fun...
Monkeys were ruling it here! They were climbing all over everything and anything. Stealing things from vendors and being generally hilarious.
You have been warned!... Lopburi
Though Lopburi is another city filled with old ruins in the midst of modern day life, the real main attraction here are several troups of wild monkeys that have literally taken over two temples and about four square blocks of the town itself. This sign is inside the grounds of one of the temples.
Bridge over the Chao Phraya River... from my room... Ayuthaya
I was glad to have been stranded in Ayuthaya for an extra day! They left the light on the bridge until 1 AM on Macha Bucha!
Macha Bucha Day... Main temple from the entrance gate... Ayuthaya
As usual after a religious meeting, people couldn't get out of there fast enough! People were hussling toward the front gate as fast as possible! Another similarity!
Macha Bucha Day...Candle light service... Ayuthaya
The crowd gathered in anticipation, each person, both young and old, holding their 3 sacred objects... a lotus bud, 3 lit sticks of incense, and a candle. The incense and candles were lit before the service began, and we had to maintain all the objects throughout the 30 minute service/chanting and as we all walked 3 times in unison around the temple. It was tricky business... between dodging getting burned by dripping hot wax and falling incense ash and trying not to ignite the clothing/hair of all the people packed in around you, it was quite a challenge!! The similarities between Catholic and Episcopal services I have attended and this Buddhist service were many! Incense, candles, chanting in unison, lessons/scripture readings and participation in mass ritual. I found the similarities more striking then the differences!! Though I could not understand a word that was said it was a lovely experience.
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.
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