The Grand Palace - Banglok
August 9th 2007 10:25
There are some places where the wise traveller, rather than bumbling around blindly in a cultural minefield, takes the guided tour. The Grand Palace, in Bangkok, is one of these. Residence of the Royal Family, site of the coronation and throne halls, seat of many important Government offices and home of the revered Emerald Buddha, its protocols and customs are not to be taken lightly. They exist, and they are strictly enforced, not only to protect the precious heritage but to ensure due repect to those who live, work and worship there. At the gates, inspections by guards make certain that visitors' legs, arms and feet are covered. If not, they are re-dressed appropriately in "palace issue". or turned away. In most areas, visitors may look but not touch, in many photographs are prohibited, in some visitors must.follow religious custom and many parts of the place are simply out of bounds. If a Royal personage happens by, everyone must stand, face the said person, bow and remain silent.
Still, it's worth all the covering up and toning down just to see this beautiful place. Building was begun in 1782 by King Rama I. The compound consists of 218,000 square metres bound by four walls 1900 metres in length. The first group of buildings constructed (1785) were the The Phra Maha Monthian Throne Hall which is used nowfor state ceremonies, such as coronations or the King's birthday anniversary and the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne mainly used for the lying-in-state of royalty. There isn't a surface in these buildings that isn't gilded or glittering with mosaics and mirrors, that there isn't a roof that isn't curved, finished with a column of gold, or topped with a turret or a minaret. There isn't an entrance that isn't guarded by a god, a buddha or a dragon. They are, literally, dazzling.
The Royal Monastery of the Emerald Buddha is one of the most venerated sites in Thailand. Buddhists come here from all over the world to pay their respects to the Lord Buddha and his teachings. The Emerald Buddha himself is enthroned on a golden throne and is dressed in one of three costumes depending on the season (summer, monsoon, winter) The walls are decorated with murals depicting the life of Buddha. This monastrey is also the King's private chapel. Guards make sure that visitors remove their shoes, don't take photos, remain silent and don't point their feet towards the Buddha.
The grounds of the Royal Monastery are enclosed by galleries painted with murals which tell the fabulous stories from legend and from the history of ancient Siam .
The most modern building in the complex is the Borom Phimam mansion built in 1903 by King Rama V and was used on occasion by various Kings, incl uding Rama IX, the present King, as a royal residence. At present it serves as the Royal guest House for visiting Heads of State.
These are only a few of the buildings in the the Grand Palace complex ,with a just a thumbnail sketch of each of them. There are many more buildings and the histories and stories of all are fascinating. The Grand palace is a place like no other. It has to be seen to be believed. It's a very special place, too, a place of awe and wonder, a place exacts deep respect.
Building in the Grand Palace complex
Still, it's worth all the covering up and toning down just to see this beautiful place. Building was begun in 1782 by King Rama I. The compound consists of 218,000 square metres bound by four walls 1900 metres in length. The first group of buildings constructed (1785) were the The Phra Maha Monthian Throne Hall which is used nowfor state ceremonies, such as coronations or the King's birthday anniversary and the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne mainly used for the lying-in-state of royalty. There isn't a surface in these buildings that isn't gilded or glittering with mosaics and mirrors, that there isn't a roof that isn't curved, finished with a column of gold, or topped with a turret or a minaret. There isn't an entrance that isn't guarded by a god, a buddha or a dragon. They are, literally, dazzling.
Monastery of the Emerald Buddha
The Royal Monastery of the Emerald Buddha is one of the most venerated sites in Thailand. Buddhists come here from all over the world to pay their respects to the Lord Buddha and his teachings. The Emerald Buddha himself is enthroned on a golden throne and is dressed in one of three costumes depending on the season (summer, monsoon, winter) The walls are decorated with murals depicting the life of Buddha. This monastrey is also the King's private chapel. Guards make sure that visitors remove their shoes, don't take photos, remain silent and don't point their feet towards the Buddha.
The grounds of the Royal Monastery are enclosed by galleries painted with murals which tell the fabulous stories from legend and from the history of ancient Siam .
The most modern building in the complex is the Borom Phimam mansion built in 1903 by King Rama V and was used on occasion by various Kings, incl uding Rama IX, the present King, as a royal residence. At present it serves as the Royal guest House for visiting Heads of State.
These are only a few of the buildings in the the Grand Palace complex ,with a just a thumbnail sketch of each of them. There are many more buildings and the histories and stories of all are fascinating. The Grand palace is a place like no other. It has to be seen to be believed. It's a very special place, too, a place of awe and wonder, a place exacts deep respect.
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