Temple of Dawn ( Wat Arun )

Thailand has nearly 31200 Buddhist temples all over the country. Theses temples are known as wat in Thai. It is situated in the Yai district. The full name of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahavihara.The temple is nearly 400 years old. This temple is named after the Indian God of Dawn, Aruna. Temple of Dawn, Bangkok or Wat Arun is perhaps named so because the first sunrays fall on the surface of the temple and is reflected back.

Temple of Dawn, Thailand was known as the Wat Makok and was built in Ayutthaya. With the passage of time as the capital of Thailand changed to Thonburi, the name of Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) was changed to Wat Chaeng. King Rama II started the restoration of the Temple of Dawn Thailand which was later completed by King Rama IV and renamed as Wat Arunratchawararam. Golden Dawn Temple or Wat Arun has a tall finger-like spire called prang which is 67 meters in height and the base has a circumference of 234 meter, at the center symbolizing mount Peru and manifestation the evolution of the universe without any scientific base. The four corners of prang of Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) has the images of Gods in four directions. The Golden Dawn Temple has a Phra Wihan Khot or gallery made of brick and mortar around the ordination hall. This was built during the reign of King Rama IV. The gallery has the images of Buddha. The pillars are decorated with gilded lotuses. Then there is Phar Wihan or the Hall of that period. Phar Phang is the monument in the Temple of Dawn Bangkok. The Bell Tower in the Chinese style is also a piece of architecture in Wat Arun. Every year Wat Arun Festival is celebrated which was inspired by those who admired the site. The festival was first celebrated in the 2000. The Golden Dawn Temple is accessible by crossing the Chao Phraya River by ferry from Bangkok at Tha Tien Pier or by Arun Amarin road. Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) is open daily from 8.30 to 17.30 for the visitors.