Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a two-day visit to Thailand, with a schedule rich in cultural, diplomatic, and historical significance. On the first day of his visit, PM Modi, accompanied by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, visited Wat Pho Temple, one of Bangkok's oldest and most prestigious temples.
Wat Pho Temple History: During his Thailand visit on Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Wat Pho, the ancient and culturally significant temple in Bangkok. Along with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, he witnessed the grandeur of this historical site. Wat Pho, also known as the "Temple of the Reclining Buddha," vividly exemplifies Thailand's Buddhist architecture, spirituality, and medical science. Spreading over approximately 20 acres, it is Bangkok's largest and oldest temple, its foundations laid in the 16th century.
Wat Pho: An Ancient Center of Education and Medicine
Established during the reign of King Rama I, the temple was initially known as Wat Photaram. It served not only as a place of worship but also as a center for education and traditional Thai medicine. It hosted not only religious rituals but also provided instruction in Thai herbal medicine, medical practices, and yoga. King Rama III significantly expanded the temple complex, developing it into a cultural institution. His reign saw the addition of numerous stupas, pavilions, and works of art, with the Reclining Buddha statue becoming a particular highlight.
The 46-Meter Reclining Buddha Statue
Wat Pho's most famous feature is the 46-meter-long and 15-meter-high Reclining Buddha statue. This statue, plated with gold leaf, is a center of profound faith for Buddhist followers. The Buddha's serene reclining posture evokes in devotees feelings of meditation, liberation, and compassion. The soles of his feet are inscribed with 108 auspicious symbols, representing the Buddha's life and philosophy.
A Repository of Over 1000 Buddha Images
Besides the main statue, the temple houses over 1000 Buddha images, including many rare historical artifacts. It presents a unique confluence of Buddhism, Thai art, architecture, and medical traditions.
A Symbol of India-Thailand Cultural Ties
Prime Minister Modi's visit further strengthens the cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Thailand. During his visit, PM Modi stated that historical sites like Wat Pho are not merely religious places but bridges connecting India and Thailand through shared culture and spirituality. This historical visit to Wat Pho was not only politically significant but also infused new energy into the cultural relationship between the two countries.
