Wat Pho, Thailand: A Sacred Space of Art, Architecture, and the Reclining Buddha

The very topic of architecture fascinates me. 

We see it in our everyday lives––in houses, museums, modern buildings, parks, historical monuments, churches, mosques, forts, and palaces. 

And then, there are these timeless wonders to marvel at, such as the Louvre in Paris, the grand Colosseum in Rome, the Baha’i Temple in New Delhi or the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa. 

Such works of beauty and labor must have been the life’s work of their creators––their magnum opus. 

I am no architect, but I take great delight in exploring the history, style, symmetry, texture, materials and diverse elements that go into raising a masterpiece of a building. 

Especially, the old edifices and heritage structures that still stand tall and are spectacular to behold. 

Without the technologies we have today, the idea of building such magnificent architecture––some dating back as far as 2500 BC––seems almost unimaginable. 

How incredibly ingenious and courageous men must have been to bring them into existence. 

The thought alone is mind-blowing. 


The Reclining Buddha

Right away, I think of the stunning Buddhist temples of Bangkok––the centuries-old Wat Pho and Wat Arun, standing along the banks of the Chao Phraya river. 

Walking through some of the city’s oldest sites was a feast for the senses. 

Easy access to the courtyard lets the visitors move around the space freely. They can enjoy the outdoors that also has a garden and a koi fish pond
Walking around the courtyard to admire the structures
These Chedis or Buddhist stupas, which usually contain relics, are prominent architectural features.

The temple complex of Wat Pho, in particular, is a marvellous showcase of Thai Buddhist architecture. It features stupas (chedis), viharns, courtyards, and gardens, along with intricate murals, decorative glazed tiles, gold embellishments and lacquer work, and Chinese-style stone guardian figures. 

Stone Guardians seen throughout the perimeter of the temple complex and at entrances
These characters bear Chinese influence. They symbolize protection and strength and are considered to ward off evil energy
Seen at a distance two stone figures on either side of the gate

Inside the Viharn (prayer hall), I stood before the grand, gilded statue of the Reclining Buddha. 

Those compassionate eyes reminded me of the Maitreya Buddha at Thiksey Monastery in Leh, both bearing a gentle countenance.

As I gazed at the sublime figure, the meditative stillness of his face seemed to reflect in mine, softening my expression.


Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, features the Buddha in a restful posture.
“The Reclining Buddha”.
An image of symbolic significance, it represents his journey into Nirvana––a recurring motif in Buddhist iconography.

Throughout the temple, images of celestial beings, mythical creatures and Buddhist teachings filled the space.
I was particularly drawn to the murals depicting the Jataka tales––stories of Buddha’s past lives, illustrated through human and animal forms. 

Everywhere I looked, beauty revealed itself in the finest details. From the ornate artwork to the floral patterns on windows and doors, to the golden Buddha statuettes––I took it all in, absorbing as much as my mind and soul could.

The feet of the Buddha are decorated with 108 auspicious symbols of Buddhism, inlaid with mother-of-pearl
Closer look on the inlay work
Stories told through images adorn the walls
Jataka tales and cenes of daily life in Old Siam
A statue of Buddha in reclining position
A statue of Buddha in mediative position

You can spot such stone figures throughout the garden. They perhaps serve as decorative pieces
View of the Bell Tower from the pond
A small pond with Koi fishes

Ubosot–serves as the primary hall for prayer and religious ceremonies
The intricate tile work, floral motifs and elaborate carvings on the pillars and gables


I took one last moment to look up at the majestic figure, offering a silent prayer before continuing to my next stop.

And for posterity’s sake, I will leave you here with a few more photos of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, or Wat Pho, as it is commonly known.

Mythical Guardians, Finials, Ornamental Spires, Chedis, Decorative Gables and Colourful tiles, so many architectural elements can be seen at once

View from outside

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