| The majority of the Thai population practices Theravada Buddhism, a religion that traces itself back to the original teachings of Gautama Buddha. These Buddhists believe that earthly life is part of a cycle in which one strives to follow the teachings of the Buddha. By worshipping the Buddha and following his teachings one can finally break the cycle of life and death, and attain ultimate enlightenment. The environment of the Grand Palace complex was designed to promote such worship of the Buddha. The temple of the Emerald Buddha was patterned after the old temple in Ayutthaya. Like the old capital, the temple in Bangkok was not meant to house monks like traditional monasteries. However, monks continue to visit and worship in the temple. |
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Rama I ordered the construction of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha when he began the initial construction of the palace complex. The main feature of the temple is the Emerald Buddha. One story describes the discovery of the Buddha figure as an accident. In order to protect the figure from Burmese attack and seizure, monks covered the statue in clay or plaster. It was saved from seizure, but went relatively unnoticed within the country for a long period. After many years, the sculpture was cracked and the beautiful Buddha was revealed beneath the protective cover. Contrary to popular belief, and the title of the Buddha figure itself, the statue is not made of emerald. In fact, the figure was carved from a piece of jade. Depending on the source, the story of the jade Buddha changes slightly. Nevertheless, it was eventually transferred to the Grand Palace where it took its place of honor in the temple. |
| Today, thousands of people visit the temple everyday in order to show respect for the Buddha. Worshippers can be seen all over the palace participating in various forms of worship. To promote a proper worshipping environment, there is a strict dress and behavior code. If wearing the proper attire and demonstrating appropriate respect, visitors are also welcome in the temple. |
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