Phra Pathom

This is the largest Buddhist Shrine in the world and to the Thais, by far the most holy of all Buddhist structures in the Kingdom.

Reaching to the sky for almost 380 feet, the dome shines like pure gold in the sunlight and the highly glazed tiles covering the dome are golden brown in color and were brought from China.

At the four points of the compass in the outer courtyard are four Viharas (halls) containing images of Buddha in various postures.

The Eastern Vihara shows the image of Buddha beneath a delicately painted Pho tree which covers the entire wall.

The inner room is a Royal Chapel containing an altar where the King and Queen of Thailand come to pay homage.

The Southern Vihara shows the image of Buddha protected by a serpent.

The Western Vihara contains image of Buddha in reclining position,just before his death, surrounded by disciples, and an inner room contains yet another reclining image.

The Northern Vihara, directly in front of the entrance, contains a standing image of Buddha. The ashes of King Vajiravudh are buried at the base of this image.

The first Buddhist Saints were sent to spread Buddhism in the old Kingdom of Suwannaphum, the first capital the site of present-day Nakhon Pathom.

An outer pavilion completely encircles the building with the Chedi itself in the center.

On the outside edge of the pavilion are mounds on which are growing the important trees connected with the Buddha.

On the inner side are small belfrys spaced at intervals from which bells ring out from time.

Stone images stand at attention before red lacquer moon-gate doors leading into the gallery.

Other stone figures are carved to represent animals and some are the very old "Wheels of the Law" which were religious emblems before 140 B.C.