|
Buddhist Temples – Visiting the Marble Temple
Even though Buddhism is a faith that revels in simplicity and enjoyment of that which is considered humble, there are some exceptions to the rule of simplicity. Take for example some of the most famous Buddhist temples – among them Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, which is located in Bangkok, Thailand. This temple is known far and wide as the marble temple, and as such has brought a vast influx of tourism to the area.
Made up entirely of Italian marble, this temple is a relatively new addition to the list of Buddhist temples. Its construction phase was begun in 1899 and it took decades to completely finish it inside and out. The monument itself served a variety of purposes; while the honoring of the Buddha was most certainly on the forefront of the builders’ minds, it is also declared to be a standing memorial for the reign of King Rama V, whose ashes are in fact interred within the temple halls. In addition to the foregoing, the marble temple holds a breathtaking collection of rare Buddhist artifacts and images depicting the Buddha himself.
In addition to being a shrine to Buddhist art, Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram is also a rarity amongst Buddhist temples because it offers a glimpse into the history of Buddha depictions. The religious scholar or dedicated Buddhist will delight in taking a closer look at more than 55 life sized statues of the Buddha in various poses, and also offering various gestures attributed to him. This is truly a must see!
|
