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In 1998, the temple was awarded“ Architecture of the Year.” Designed as a symbol of peace, the temple aims to promote inner peace, unity, and a love of mankind. The exterior comprises 300,000 tightlypacked statues of the Buddha, with 700,000 more inside. The temple area holds one million worshippers, in a space as grand as the Vatican ' s or of Mecca ' s. This is, indeed, a place for meditation.
On Sundays, and at the Makha Bucha festival( at the full moon of the third lunar month, February 11, 2017) worshippers circle the temple three times, holding flowers, incense, or a lighted candle. Makha Bucha celebrates the ordination of 1,250 monks who, as disciples of the Buddha, carried Buddhism forward to the world.
After exploring Bangkok, travel 40 miles north to the island of Ayutthaya, Siam capital for four centuries. Here, magnificent ruins abound at the juncture of the Lopburi, Chao Phraya( River of Kings), and Pa Sak rivers.
Founded in 1350, as refuge from a smallpox contagion, Ayutthaya was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. In the 1700s, it grew to one million people, among the world ' s largest cities. A“ Venice of the East,” it was once deemed“ the world ' s most beautiful place.” In, 1981, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Ayutthaya Heritage Park contains remnants of hundreds of temples and holy stupas( many are reliquaries, containing monks ' ashes). The amalgam of Khmer and Sukothai architecture is stunning. Highlights include the Golden Buddha, gigantic bronze statues of Wat Mongkol Borpith, and a totemic Buddha head entwined in the roots of a fig tree.
Thailand is renowned for refined visual and kinetic aesthetics. Dance forms are sublime. Muay Thai( martial arts kickboxing) employs graceful leaps. Even the artisanship of children ' s kites is rhythmic.
Thailand, once home to Bronze Age settlements, evolved to become“ The Land of Free Men,” as a country, in 1939. Visit in cool months. Become acquainted with local customs, to ensure respectful observance of Thailand ' s heritage. Start packing. The world is waiting to meet you.
[ The text and photograph represent the actual travel experience of the writer.]