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Verschwunden ist die finstre Nacht,
Die Lerche schlägt, der Tag erwacht,
Die Sonne kommt mit Prangen
Am Himmel aufgegangen.
Sie scheint in Königs Prunkgemach,
Sie scheinet durch des Bettlers Dach,
Und was in Nacht verborgen war,
Das macht sie kund und offenbar.
Lob sei dem Herrn und Dank gebracht,
Der über diesem Haus gewacht,
Mit seinen heil’gen Scharen
Uns gnädig wollte bewahren.
Wohl mancher schloss die Augen schwer
öffnet sie dem Licht nicht mehr;
Drum freue sich, wer, neu belebt,
Den frischen Blick zur Sonn’ erhebt!
(Friedrich von Schiller)
Unfortunately the famous central prang was scaffolded for restoration works, when I visited Bangkok three years ago. Here you can see one of the four small prangs surrounding it.
Here is a shot looking up the staircase of Wat Arun's central prang. The ornate faience surface was getting a touch up during my stay in Bangkok and you couldn't help but be a little disappointed in seeing scaffolding. The faience is made of bits of porcelain and shells that came in from China during Bangkok's big shipping era.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan or Wat Arun, "Temple of Dawn") is a Buddhist temple (wat) in Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok, Thailand, on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun. Wat Arun is among the best known of Thailand's landmarks. The first light of the morning reflects off the surface of the temple with pearly iridescence. Although the temple had existed since at least the seventeenth century, its distinctive prang (spires) were built in the early nineteenth century during the reign of King Rama II.
Another one from this remarkable occasion, more pics to follow :)
Not long before sunset the monks placed candles and oil lights in preparation for a special evening ceremony. The mindful acrobatics in placing the lights across the ancient temple produced some remarkable sights in golden hour.
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Rajaworaviharn, also known as Wat Phra Prang, was built over 700 years ago in the Angkor style, when the area was still under the influence of the Khmer empire ruled from Angkor. The temple is part of the Si Satchanalai Historical Park, which together with associated sites in Sukhothai and Kamphaeng Phet is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
© All rights reserved. Please do not use my images and text without prior written permission.
Title by Steely Dan - 1974
Long-tailed macaques feel right at home at the ancient Khmer temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot in Lopburi.
Wikipedia: Phra Prang Sam Yot, also known as Phra Prang Sam Yod, is a 13th-century Angkorian temple in Lopburi, Thailand. The temple is currently a popular tourist destination. The temple was built by King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire in the early 13th century. Jayavarman intended for the temple to be an important location in the royal cult surrounding himself, as it would increase the legitimacy of his rule. In addition, the temple served to showcase the prestige of the Khmer Empire in Lopburi (then known as Lavo) as it had only recently captured the city from its Cham and Mon rivals.
The temple is famous for its large population of crab-eating macaque monkeys, which live in and around the temple grounds. The monkey population has always been present in Lopburi, but the start of the locally-held Monkey Buffet Festival in 1989 led to a dramatic increase in their population. The festival serves a dual purpose, drawing in tourists while also honoring the traditional Lopburi belief that monkeys are disciples of Jao Paw Phra Kan, a spirit which protects the city.
Alternative shot of Prasat Pram focusing on a prang in the back row strangled by a banyan tree.
It is supposed that the whole prangs were covered with stucco as some stucco still remains here and there.
Similar sight can be observed in Sambor Prei Kuk (flic.kr/p/2hNcJVT), which was a Chenla capital near Kampong Thom.
This is the last photo of Angkor temples but the trip continues heading for the south of the country,
Wat Ratchaburana was built by King Borom Ratchathirat II at the place where both his brothers died (they killed each other) during a fight for the vacant throne of Ayutthaya. After both his brother had died, King Borom Ratchathirat II became the King. As such, Wat Ratchaburana was built during the early Ayutthaya period. The prang was the centerpiece at the temple compound.
The vault of Wat Ratchaburana became known to the public some decades ago, and looters broke into the vault in 1957. The looters were apprehended, but a lot of the stolen goods were never recovered. Later on more than 100,000 votive Buddhist tablets were found, as well as gold jewelry with a combined weight of more than 100 kilograms.
The vaults inside the main prang also displayed mural paintings, depicting the previous lives of the Buddha. Unfortunately, over the last few years these images have deteriorated a lot. Only very few visible images are left.
Another new beginning, and what a remarkable day it would turn out to be.
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Rajaworaviharn, also known as Wat Phra Prang, was built over 700 years ago in the Angkor style, when the area was still under the influence of the Khmer empire ruled from Angkor. The temple is part of the Si Satchanalai Historical Park, which together with associated sites in Sukhothai and Kamphaeng Phet is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
© All rights reserved. Please do not use my images and text without prior written permission.
Well this is very different from Europe .The main Prang of Wat Arun in Bangkok this was taken from a boat on Chao Phraya River.
Wat Arun Ratchawaramahawihan the "Temple of Dawn") is a Buddhist temple in Bangkoks Yai district on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun. Wat Arun is among the best known of Thailand's landmarks. The first light of the morning reflects off the surface of the temple with pearly iridescence. Although the temple had existed since at least the seventeenth century, its distinctive prang (spires) were built in the early nineteenth century during the reign of King Rama II.
THANKS FOR YOUR VISITING BUT CAN I ASK YOU NOT TO FAVE AN IMAGE WITHOUT ALSO MAKING A COMMENT. MANY THANKS KEITH. ANYONE MAKING MULTIPLE FAVES WITHOUT COMMENTS WILL SIMPLY BE BLOCKED
I'd never seen a dog dressed in a 3-striped 'Adidog' hoodie, let alone on a motorbike, crossing a hanging bridge, to a world heritage site. There's always a first I suppose ;)
The bridge leads across the river Yom to Wat Phra Prang temple built over 700 years ago and part of the Si Satchanalai Historical Park, which together with associated sites in Sukhothai and Kamphaeng Phet is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
© All rights reserved. Please do not use my images and text without prior written permission.
A huge pyramid-like temple called Prasat Prang rises to the west of the ruined temple compound. It is 36 m high. Prang means tower.
What looks like a stairway in the photo is half collapsed and prohibited to use, but it is possible to climb to the top by using steel stairs installed on the other side.
It is a 10th century construction as compared to Baphuon, another temple mountain type in Angkor Thom constructed in the 11th century.
Wikipedia: Phra Prang Sam Yot, also known as Phra Prang Sam Yod, is a 13th-century temple in Lopburi, Thailand. The temple was built by King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire in the early 13th century. Jayavarman intended for the temple to be an important location in the royal cult surrounding himself, as it would increase the legitimacy of his rule. In addition, the temple served to showcase the prestige of the Khmer Empire in Lopburi (then known as Lavo) as it had only recently captured the city from its Cham and Mon rivals. One prominent statue in the temple was dedicated by Jayavarman to "Jayabuddhamahanatha", which is translatable to "Victorious Buddha, the Great Protector" - further evidence of the temple's martial origins. Built along the lines of contemporaneous Khmer architecture, the temple is made from brick with a stucco exterior, the latter possibly being inspired by Mon architectural tradition. The structure has three towers, each with a corresponding deity; the north tower is dedicated to Prajnaparamita, the central tower to the Buddha, and the south tower to Avalokiteśvara. The temple is furnished with art depicting Buddhist iconography. Originally dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism, the temple survived the end of the Khmer influence over Lavo, and the temple was later rededicated to Theravada Buddhism when Lopburi came under the control of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. During the reign of Narai the Great (1656-1688) of Ayutthaya, a prayer hall (Wihar) was added to the temple complex.
dieser historische Schandring ist am Rathaus in Nieheim zu finden - dieses Rathaus ist im Stil der Weserrenaissance gebaut. Ein soolcher Schandring war zusammen mit der Elle die Zeichen der niederen Gerichtsbarkeit. Im Hintergrund ist der Turm der kath. St. Nikolaus Kirche zu sehen
Si Thep Historical Park
Wikipedia: Si Thep Historical Park is an archaeological site in Thailand's Phetchabun province. It covers the ancient city of Si Thep, a site inhabited from around the third to fifth century CE until the thirteenth century, spanning cultural periods from late prehistory, through Dvaravati, to the golden age of the Khmer Empire. Si Thep was one of the largest known city-states that emerged around the plains of central Thailand in the first millennium, but became abandoned around the time the Thai-speaking cities of Sukhothai and later Ayutthaya emerged as new centers of power in the Chao Phraya River basin.
You reach the sanctuary of the temple after climbing the stairway consisting of five levels. it is located on the summit of a dormant volcano at an altitude of 380 m as compared to its foot at 190 m.
The second Naga bridge is seen in the lower centre of the photo, behind which the Gopura gate leading to the sanctuary is built.
The sanctuary is encircled by galleries. This part of the roofs of the galleries are fully restored.
Eastward view from the top of Prasat Prang. The table-like mountain in the distance is Tbeng Meanchey Mountain.
There is no information as to the mountain just in front of Tbeng Meanchey, which looks like an extinct volcano like Phnonm Rung in Thailand.
The area surrounding Koh Ker is well forested. It is probably due to a low population density caused by the scarcity of water for agriculture. There is no major river and the climate type of the area is Aw (Savanna climate).
Jayavarman IV dug deep wells and large Barays to cope with the unfavourite climate and topography.
There are more than 40 temples scattered under the canopies of the tropical dry forest. Some were built before the capital was moved to Koh Ker.
A photo taken from inside the sanctuary of Prasat Hin Phimai. Prang Prataan is the main tower in the archaeological site likened to Mt. Sumeru. Mandapa is a hall or pavilion built as passaage from the entrance to the main tower.
The structure in the extreme left is Prang Hin Daeng (red stone tower).
Tower and Antichamber as seen from the south.
They are the core part of Prasat Phanom Rung.
Prang looks higher if seen from a distance. It is 27 m in hight. it is adorned with bas-reliefs of Hindu mythologies.
Buildings are alighed along the east - west axis in Prasat Phanom Rung. After passing through the Gopura gateway, you come to the third Naga bridge that connects between the gateway and the Mandapa antichamber.
End of 2016, when the central Prang was still scaffolded and being restored. I wonder if we will ever be able to travel again and if I will ever be able to admire and photograph the restored Prang.
In many cities in Austria, anti-vaccination activists are demonstrating against the upcoming introduction of compulsory vaccination and other government measures against the further spread of the coronavirus, claiming that the country is moving toward a dictatorship. However, I think that the government of Austria and other countries are being far too lenient with this disgusting anti-social and anti-community trash, who are mainly responsible for the spread of the virus through their refusal to vaccinate. These people should all be sent to a strict and strictly supervised quarantine, which ends only when a protective effect can be expected after a first vaccination. As long as these nauseating assholes do not get vaccinated, they should remain locked up in their dwellings.
Now I almost got angry at those morons;-)
photo rights reserved by B℮n
The Royal Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam and later Thailand since 1782. It consists of not only royal and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It covers an area of 218,000 square metres and is surrounded by four walls, 1900 metres in length. After King Rama I ascended to the throne in 1782, the palace was built. Prior to this, the royal palace and centre of administration had been located in Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. For various reasons, the new King considered the former capital to be unsuitable and decided to establish a new capital on the other side of the river. Admission fee is free of charge for Thais and 500 baht for foreigners. You'll need to wear culturally appropriate attire when visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This means being well covered. Visitors should wear long skirts/trousers and sleeved shirts—basically anything that covers more than the lower arms and head. Fortunately, after the covid period, it is not yet busy with tourists. Thailand has just ended their quarantine policy. Face masks are no longer mandatory. The Phra Sawet Kudakhan Wihan Yot or the Wihan Yot extends northwards from the terrace. The building, a vihara, serves as a Buddha image hall, and was first built by Rama III to house many important Buddha images.
Phra Sawet Kudakhan Wihan Yot contains many important Buddha statues. The building serves as a Buddha statue hall and was first built by Rama III to house many important Buddha statues. The building has a cross-shaped plan and is crowned in the center of the roof with a high spire in the shape of a crown. The spire is decorated with colored porcelain in floral designs. Bronze figures of Tantima birds - birds with a human torso and Garuda head - guard the entrances on the west and east sides. The doors of the vihara are inlaid with mother-of-pearl and come from Wat Pa Mok in Ang Thong province.
De Royal Grand Palace is een gebouwencomplex in het hart van Bangkok, Thailand. Het paleis is sinds 1782 de officiële residentie van de koningen van Siam en later Thailand. Het bestaat niet alleen uit koninklijke en troonzalen, maar ook uit een aantal regeringsgebouwen en de beroemde Tempel van de groene Smaragd Boeddha. Het heeft een oppervlakte van 218.000 vierkante meter en is omgeven door vier muren van 1900 meter lang. Nadat koning Rama I in 1782 de troon besteeg, werd het paleis gebouwd. Daarvoor was het koninklijk paleis en het bestuurscentrum gevestigd in Thonburi, op de westelijke oever van de Chao Phraya-rivier. Om verschillende redenen vond de nieuwe koning de voormalige hoofdstad ongeschikt en besloot hij een nieuwe hoofdstad te stichten aan de andere kant van de rivier. De toegangsprijs is gratis voor Thais en 500 baht voor buitenlanders. In april 1981 gebruikte de plaatsvervangend commandant van het Thaise leger, generaal San Chitpatima, het paleis als zijn hoofdkwartier voor een poging tot staatsgreep tegen premier Prem. De staatsgreep mislukte mede door ingrijpen koning Bhumibol. Een paar uur later ontmoette generaal Prem echter koning Bhumibol in zijn paleis in Bangkok en de koninklijke familie en de premier vloog naar een legerbasis in Noordoost-Thailand. Premier Prem kondigde op de radio aan dat hij niet was afgetreden. Het Thaise leger trok zich weer terug uit het paleis. Gelukkig is het na de covid periode nog niet druk met toeristen. Thailand heeft zojuist hun quarantainebeleid beëindigd. Mondkapjes zijn niet meer verplicht. Geweldig om het Grand Palace nu nog een keer te bezoeken. Phra Sawet Kudakhan Wihan Yot bevat veel belangrijke Boeddhabeelden. Het gebouw dient als een Boeddhabeeldzaal en werd voor het eerst gebouwd door Rama III om veel belangrijke Boeddhabeelden te huisvesten. Het gebouw heeft een kruisvormige plattegrond en wordt in het midden van het dak bekroond met een hoge spits in de vorm van een kroon. De torenspits is versierd met gekleurd porselein in bloemmotieven. Bronzen figuren van Tantima-vogels - vogels met een menselijke torso en Garuda-kop - bewaken de ingangen aan de west- en oostzijde. De deuren van de vihara zijn ingelegd met parelmoer en zijn afkomstig uit Wat Pa Mok in de provincie Ang Thong.
The sanctuary of the temple consists of five prangs (towers) made of bricks built on laterite bases, four of which have been restored. Only the base remains in the lower centre of the photo for the central prang which is supposed to have been larger than the rest and may have looked like Mt. Sumeru.
Mueang Tam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva constructed in the late-10th and early 11th century. It means "lowland city" in Thai, which is probably a naming compared to nearby Phanom Rung on the top of a dormant volcano. Original Khmer name is unknown. Both Mueang Tam and Phanom Rung are located on the ancient Khmer Highway leading to the Phimai archaeological site.
CNN reported today that Thai and Cambodian forces crashed at Prasat Muen Thom, a Khmer archaeological site located 44 km southeast of Mueang Tam. Thai army is reported to have deployed F-16 Fighter Jets (!) to the site, and all the Thai - Cambodia borders are closed.
Templo de los Monos (Phra Prang Sam Yot)
Lopburi - Thailand
Los "Macacos cangrejeros" viven en los terrenos del templo y sus alrededores. La población de monos siempre ha existido en Lopburi, pero con el inicio en 1989 del festival «Monkey Buffet» celebrado localmente, hizo que la población creciera considerablemente. El festival cumple con un doble propósito: atraer turistas y hacer honor a la creencia tradicional en Lopburi de que los monos son discípulos de Jao Paw Phra Kan, un espíritu que protege la ciudad. (Wikipedia)
Video "Elephants in AYUTTHAYA": youtu.be/fGtMt5G4jN4
Video "GRAND PALACE": youtu.be/oHkGL3wXvyU
******
The prang of Wat Mahathat in Phetchaburi.
Renown Travel: The Wat Mahathat Worawihan is a Royal temple located in an old, busy district with narrow lanes and wooden shop houses in the old center of Phetchaburi town.
Although the founding date of the temple is unknown, it is believed that the Wat Mahathat dates back to the late Mon Dvaravati era or the Khmer era. Objects found during excavations suggest the first structures were built between eight to ten centuries ago. Today nothing remains of the original structures. The prangs have been rebuilt and enlarged many times over the course of the centuries.
At the center of the Wat Mahathat is a large courtyard enclosed by a cloister. At the center of the courtyard stand five massive prangs, known as “Phra Prang Ha Yod”, or five peak prang. The Khmer/Lopburi style towers were constructed during the Sukhothai era.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan Wihan · Bangkok · Thailand · The main feature of Wat Arun, the central Phra Prang.
Seen in the Holloway area, it was covered up until when i last passed this, its had a bit of a prang too and currently has no MOT and is untaxed.
... prangen an den Wänden des Innenhofes vom Baseler Rathaus. Ins Auge fällt eine Skulptur, die eher römisch aussieht.
Hierzu habe ich einiges herausgefunden, was unter anderem unter die Rubrik "unnützes Wissen" fällt ;-)))
"Die Statue des römischen Feldherrn Lucius Munatius Plancus wurde vom Bildhauer Hans Michel aus Strassburg geschaffen. Michel war nach Basel gekommen, wo er schon bald unentgeltlich das Bürgerrecht erhielt – zum Dank schenkte er Basel 1580 die Skulptur aus Stein.
Da die Statue auf einem hohen Sockel prominent mitten im Innenhof des Rathauses steht, gehen viele Besuchende davon aus, dass der Römer mit dem Goldhelm der Gründer von Basel sei. Dieser Mythos kann aber mit Sicherheit widerlegt werden ...
Übrigens: Wem die rote Spitzenunterhose mit Goldrand von Lucius Munatius Plancus auffällt, fragt sich vielleicht, ob die Römer wirklich solche Unterwäsche unter ihrem Rock trugen.
... Mit ziemlicher Sicherheit entstand die augenfällige Rot-Gold-Kombination der Unterhose von Lucius Munatius Plancus bei einem Neuanstrich mit Ölfarben bei einer Renovierung um 1900."
Night shot of Ban Prang an ancient Khmer temple located in Nakhon Ratchasima Thailand. Pitty there were street lights around.
Wat Mahathat, “the temple of the Great Relic” was one of the most important temples in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Located on the historical island the large monastery features a huge central prang, a very large principal viharn and ubosot and a great number of subsidiary chedis and viharns. The upper part of its once massive central prang has collapsed. Today only the base remains.
The temple was constructed in 1374 by King Boromma Rachathirat I. A large prang was built to enshrine Buddha relics. The prang collapsed in the early 17th century, after which it was restored and enlarged. A large number of viharns (assembly halls) and chedis have been added during the reign of later Kings.
When the Burmese invaded and largely destroyed Ayutthaya in 1767, the Wat Mahathat was set on fire. The central prang collapsed again in the early 20th century and has not been restored.
Prang ( white structure)
Prang is a religious spire of Khmer origin with niches on the sides and elaborate carvings. There are four prang within the wall enclosure.
Chofar on the roof of the ubosot
Chofar is a horn-like structure protruding from the apex of the gable. These structures represent the Naga, the mythical serpent
Wat Mahapruettharam (ma-ha-pruet-tha-ram) is an old temple and there are no records as to when it was actually built.
The temple was rebuilt in the reign of King IV (1851 – 1868) and features beautiful murals in the ubosot and a 19 m reclining Buddha in the viharn.
The temple was originally called Wat Tha Kwian as the area was a resting place for water buffalo carts (kwian). After the renovation by King Rama IV, the temple was given its current name and acquired the status of a third class royal temple/
Classes of temples in Thailand
There are two categories of temples in Thailand; royal temples and common temples. Royal temples are constructed or renovated by royalty, constructed by nobility or wealthy persons and dedicated to the king.
Common temples are built with funds donated by the people, usually the community living around the temple and others who worship at the temple.
There are three classes of royal temples and each class is further divided into grades. Suffixes attached to the name of the temple indicate the grade of the temple.
For example Wat Mahapruettharam is a third class temple of the Worawihan grade (second grade); hence the full name will be Wat Mahapruetttharam Worawihan.
Courtesy: www.amazon.com/dp/1730855350?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Das schönste Gedicht von Matthias Claudius
Der Mond ist aufgegangen,
Die goldnen Sternlein prangen
Am Himmel hell und klar.
Der Wald steht schwarz und schweiget,
Und aus den Wiesen steiget
Der weiße Nebel wunderbar.
Wie ist die Welt so stille,
Und in der Dämmrung Hülle
So traulich und so hold!
Als eine stille Kammer,
Wo ihr des Tages Jammer
Verschlafen und vergessen sollt.
Seht ihr den Mond dort stehen? –
Er ist nur halb zu sehen,
Und ist doch rund und schön!
So sind wohl manche Sachen,
Die wir getrost belachen,
Weil unsre Augen sie nicht sehn.
Wir stolze Menschenkinder
Sind eitel arme Sünder,
Und wissen gar nicht viel.
Wir spinnen Luftgespinnste
Und suchen viele Künste,
Und kommen weiter von dem Ziel.
Gott, laß uns dein Heil schauen,[
Auf nichts Vergänglichs trauen,
Nicht Eitelkeit uns freun!
Laß uns einfältig werden,
Und vor dir hier auf Erden
Wie Kinder fromm und fröhlich seyn!
Wollst endlich sonder Grämen
Aus dieser Welt uns nehmen
Durch einen sanften Tod!
Und, wenn du uns genommen,
Laß uns im Himmel kommen,
Du unser Herr und unser Gott!
So legt euch denn, ihr Brüder,
In Gottes Namen nieder;
Kalt ist der Abendhauch.
Verschon’ uns, Gott! mit Strafen,
Und laß uns ruhig schlafen!
Und unsern kranken Nachbar auch!
photo rights reserved by B℮n
Wat Arun takes its name from Aruna, the Indian god of the dawn, hence the common name The Temple of Dawn. Locally called Wat Chaeng or Wat Arun. It is an ancient temple in Bangkok located on the Maenam Chao Phraya River, dating back to the Ayutthaya period. In the Thonburi period, it used to be called Wat Makok. When the king of Thonburi moved the capital from Krung Si Ayutthaya to Krung Thonburi, he also brought the Emerald Buddha from Vientiane to Wat Arun, before it was later transferred to Wat Phra Kaew, in the Grand Palace. In the Rattanakosin period, Wat Arun was restored and renamed Wat Arun Ratchatharam by King Rama II. As an important temple in Thailand's history, there are many unique attractions at Wat Arun in Bangkok, most notably the central prang, a stupa-like pagoda inlaid with colorful glazed porcelain tiles and shells, giant statues, the ordination hall, bell tower and many Buddha statues. The imposing Khmer-style prang or tower is 104 meters high and decorated with pieces of porcelain that were used as ballast by boats coming from China. It is surrounded by four smaller prangs. Construction of the prangs was started by King Rama II and completed by King Rama IV. The central balcony is an ideal place to look out over the river to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Wat Arun is a temple that rises from the Chao Phraya River's banks. The Chao Phraya is the major river in Thailand. It flows through Bangkok and then into the Gulf of Thailand. On many old European maps, the river is named the Mae Nam, the Thai word for motherly water or river. As Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple, visitors must wear culturally appropriate clothing to visit. Around the base of the central Prang, Rama IV had installed figures of monkeys and yaksha giants supporting the Pagoda. The colour of porcelain of these figures identify them with a particular character in Thailand's national epics. Steep stairs lead to the top, from where there are amazing views of the Chao Phraya River.
Wat Arun dankt zijn naam aan Aruna, de Indiase god van de dageraad, vandaar de algemene naam The Temple of Dawn. Lokaal genaamd Wat Chaeng of Wat Arun. Het is een oude tempel in Bangkok gelegen aan de Maenam Chao Phraya rivier, die dateert uit de Ayutthaya-periode. In de Thonburi-periode heette het vroeger Wat Makok. Toen de koning van Thonburi de hoofdstad liet verhuizen van Krung Si Ayutthaya naar Krung Thonburi, bracht hij ook de Smaragdgroene Boeddha uit Vientiane naar Wat Arun, voordat deze later werd overgebracht naar Wat Phra Kaew, in de Grand Palace. In de Rattanakosin-periode werd Wat Arun gerestaureerd en omgedoopt tot Wat Arun Ratchatharam door koning Rama II. Als een belangrijke tempel in de geschiedenis van Thailand, zijn er veel unieke attracties in Wat Arun in Bangkok, met name de centrale prang, een stupa-achtige pagode ingelegd met kleurrijke geglazuurde porseleinen tegels en schelpen, gigantische beelden, de wijdingshal, de klokkentoren en vele Boeddhabeelden. De imposante prang of toren in Khmer-stijl is 104 meter hoog en versierd met stukjes porselein die als ballast werden gebruikt door boten die uit China kwamen. Het is omgeven door vier kleinere prangs. De bouw van de prangs werd gestart door koning Rama II en voltooid door koning Rama IV. De Chao Phraya is de belangrijkste rivier in Thailand. Het stroomt door Bangkok en vervolgens in de Golf van Thailand. Op veel oude Europese kaarten wordt de rivier de Mae Nam genoemd, het Thaise woord voor rivier. Omdat Wat Arun een boeddhistische tempel is, moeten bezoekers cultureel geschikte kleding dragen om te bezoeken.Rond de basis van de centrale Prang had Rama IV figuren van apen en yaksha reuzen geïnstalleerd die de pagode ondersteunden. De kleur van het porselein van deze figuren identificeert ze met een bepaald karakter in de nationale epos van Thailand. Steile trappen leiden naar de top, vanwaar je een fantastisch uitzicht hebt op de Chao Phraya-rivier.