Wat Arun
by Michelle Meenawong
Title
Wat Arun
Artist
Michelle Meenawong
Medium
Photograph - Metal Print
Description
Wat Arun - the temple of Dawn
The main feature of Wat Arun is its central prang (Khmer-style tower) which is encrusted with colourful porcelain. This is interpreted as a stupa-like pagoda encrusted with coloured faience.[ The height is reported by different sources as between 66.8 m (219 ft) and 86 m (282 ft). The corners are surrounded by four smaller satellite prang. The prang are decorated by seashells and bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China. The presiding Buddha image, cast in the reign of Rama II, is said to have been moulded by the king himself. The ashes of King Rama II are interred in the base of the image.
the construction of the tall prang and four smaller ones was started by King Rama II during 1809-1824 and completed by King Rama III (1824 1851). The towers are supported by rows of demons and monkeys. Very steep and narrow steps lead to a balcony high on the central tower. The circumference of the base of the structure is 234 metres, and the central prang is 250 feet high. The central prang is topped with a seven-pronged trident, referred to by many sources as the "Trident of Shiva". Around the base of the prang are various figures of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals. Over the second terrace are four statues of the Hindu god Indrariding on Erawan. In the Buddhist iconography, the central prang is considered to have three symbolic levels base for Traiphum indicating all realms of existence, middle forTavatimsa where all desires are gratified and top denoting Devaphum indicating six heavens within seven realms of happiness. At the riverside are six pavilions (sala) in Chinese style. The pavilions are made of green granite and contain landing bridges.
A very grateful thank you to the following groups for featuring this picture
First Friday Gallery
26.08.2015
I Love Photography
26.08.2015
Awesome Asia
26.08.2015
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T100 Appreciating Quality Works From All Mediums
30.08.2015
500 to 1000 Photo
10.10.2015
500 Views Share Group
24.10.2015
The ABC Group
14.11.2015
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H D R Photography
06/11/2018
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02/15/2020
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05/03/2021
FINE ART EXPLORATION PHOTOGRAPHY
11/21/2022
Uploaded
August 26th, 2015
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