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Dirk Rauschenbach

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WAt Phra Keo  BKk Bangkok Wat Phra Kaeo (thailändisch วัดพระแก้ว), wörtl.: Tempel des Smaragd-Buddha,

The Smaragd-Buddha, or Emerald Buddha, is one of Thailand’s most revered and sacred religious icons. It is housed in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, and it holds a significant place in both Thai Buddhism and national identity.

1. What is the Emerald Buddha?

• The Emerald Buddha (known in Thai as Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Rattana Patimakorn) is a small, yet highly revered statue of the Buddha. It is made from jade or green marble, not actually emerald, despite its name. The statue is considered the spiritual heart of Thailand and symbolizes the protection and well-being of the country.

2. History of the Emerald Buddha

• Origins: The exact origins of the Emerald Buddha are somewhat mysterious, and its history is tied to both legend and fact. It is believed to have been created in India around the 15th century and was later brought to Southeast Asia. The statue was first discovered in Chiang Rai in northern Thailand in 1434. According to legend, it was discovered hidden in a stupa (a type of Buddhist structure), and the statue's jade-like appearance led it to be called the Emerald Buddha.
• Relocation: The Emerald Buddha has traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, having been moved through Laos, Burma, and Cambodia. In 1784, it was brought to Bangkok by King Rama I, who installed it in the newly constructed Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace. Since then, it has remained in Bangkok.

3. Significance of the Emerald Buddha

• Symbol of Thai Kingship: The Emerald Buddha is considered the protector of the Thai nation, and it holds immense cultural, religious, and royal significance. The Thai king performs a special ceremony each year to change the robe of the Emerald Buddha, symbolizing the change of seasons and the role of the king in protecting the country.
• Spiritual Importance: For Buddhists, the Emerald Buddha represents the enlightened nature of Buddha and the teachings of Dhamma (Buddhist law). It is a powerful symbol of peace, wisdom, and compassion.

4. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

• Location: The Emerald Buddha is housed in Wat Phra Kaew, located within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
• Architecture: The temple is a masterpiece of Thai religious architecture. The temple’s intricate design, colorful mosaics, and golden spires are all meant to honor the Emerald Buddha. The sanctuary where the Emerald Buddha is kept is highly decorated with murals depicting Buddhist cosmology and Thai legends.

5. Changing of the Robes Ceremony

• The changing of the robes is a highly significant royal ceremony that takes place three times a year to mark the changing of the seasons:
  1. Hot season (April – July): The Emerald Buddha is dressed in gold robes.
  2. Rainy season (July – October): The Emerald Buddha is dressed in a greenish robe.
  3. Cool season (October – April): The statue is dressed in a royal, golden robe.

The king performs this ceremonial ritual as part of his role as the protector of the country and the guardian of Buddhism.

6. Physical Description of the Emerald Buddha

• Size: The Emerald Buddha is a small statue, measuring only about 66 centimeters (26 inches) in height, making it easy to fit into the temple's beautifully ornate altar.
• Material: Though it’s called the Emerald Buddha, it is made from green jade or marble, and not from actual emeralds, as the name suggests. The color and the statue’s smooth surface give it a mysterious and awe-inspiring appearance.
• Pose: The Buddha is seated in the meditative posture (the Dhyana Mudra), with his hands resting on his lap. The statue's serene expression and the peaceful demeanor add to its significance as a symbol of inner peace and enlightenment.

26.07.25 Copyright   Dirk  Rauschenbach Koelnerstrasse 293 51702 Bergneustadt  Datenschutzerklaerung   02261 9788972  Mail ccooly( at) web.de