Wat Arun – Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Arun Rajwararam, the Temple of Dawn, is a Buddhist temple and one of Bangkok’s best know landmark. It is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Thon Buri.
Wat Arun is named “Temple of Dawn” because the first light of the morning reflects off the mosaic surface of the temple.
Construction of the brick structure composed by a tall prang (250’ tall tower) and four smaller ones was started by King Rama II around 1809-1824. It wasn’t until 1824-1851 that King Rama III completed the project. Each tower is topped by the trident of Shiva.
The towers are decorated with Chinese porcelain mosaics and figures that resemble demons and animals like elephants and monkeys. In niches in the central tower are green figures of the God Indra seated on Erawan, the traditional Thai three-headed elephant. And, niches in the smaller towers contain figures of the Moon God on a white horse.
While Wat Arun is best seen from the opposite bank of the river, Bangkok itself is best seen from the central balcony of Wat Arun. From this balcony you can see the Grand Palace, Wat Po, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, among others.
Fun Fact: The temple’s full name is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan (วัดอรุณราชวรารามราชวรมหาวิหาร).
