Heritage & Belief: Wat Rong Khun, the centerpiece of peace & rebirth

“Wat” which translates to ‘temple’, exists as a space of belief and devotion but not limiting to just that. It stands for its expansive artistry interwoven with deeper meaning and symbolism. Architected by Chalermchai Kositpipat, in the heart of Chiang Rai, this temple is a magnificent sight. A true embodiment of Chalermchai’s expression of grandeur, this is home to Thailand’s greatest modern artists. ‘Wat Rong Khun’ or ‘White Temple’ is the grandest temple amongst the 30,000 temples in Thailand.

It is of great importance that this monastery roots itself in Buddhism and showcases the beliefs of its maker. With the presence of Thai deities, mythical creatures, and modern-day influences like Kung Fu Panda, Mickey Mouse, and even Superman, the place has astonished even the most seasoned tourists. Essentially creating a juxtaposition of both traditional Buddhist practices and modern influencing characters.  

Adorned with clasping white hands and mirror shards that reflect the bright rays of the sun, adding to its grandeur. All of this together with the bridge that symbolizes the cycle of re-birth leading to the gates of heaven makes Wat Rong Khun a masterpiece of architecture and design. Symbolically speaking, the two guardian-like figures along with clasping and outstretched hands represent the temptations and worldly desires of man.   

ORIGIN & MAKING OF WAT RONG KHUN  Little is known about it before the time. With an aim to propagate Buddhist practices and spotlight the erstwhile understanding of meditation and spiritual practice. A big hand to his success was his novel perspective on the dismissal of traditional norms of religion that lead him to his success and edging talents. The use of white is responsible for the aura of serenity. The artist put his mind to it while using gold that depicted the suitability of gold to people who lust for evil deeds and are tempted by worldly desires.   

ARCHITECTURE  To talk of the elaborate adornments which finely resemble and preserve the Buddhist architecture brings the ornamentation of facades to light. Being covered in white plaster and glass shards, the sneaks of the edges and three-level roofs are central to Thai Architecture. The current engineered structure has 4 compound divisions. The first one is the meditation hall, the second one is the hall of relics also called Ubosot, followed by an art gallery for an exhibition, and lastly, accommodation for the monks. The tour begins with a sight of a pond wherein the entrance is connected with a narrow white ornate bridge leading off to the main building. The other statues attempt at symbolizing inferior emotions of temptation, anger, and suffering.   

SYMBOLIC SUSTENANCE  To talk of all the things that come together in order to enhance the uniqueness of this holy shrine, the stunning white renders it elegant & serene. Unlike monotone or bright Buddhist temples, this one symbolizes purity. The shards of glass are representative of the “wisdom” of Buddha.  The subordinate building is painted in golden to deliberately express disapproval of blood money and wealth obsession. This holistic view of juxtaposing evil and good, is evident in the eerie heads hanging from the tree inside and the desperate hands reaching from the ground, creating an aura that resembles the human understanding of hell. The Ubosot, which is the main chapel is a sight to see from the front after having crossed the bridge of rebirth.

This bridge depicts the rebirth of Buddha wherein he is seemingly in the process of re-birth after having left all worldly temptation. Notice the small semi-circle that stretches briefly before the bridge, portraying the human world. A wide multitude of pictures can be found embellished with a Buddha in the main hall. The roof of this hall has four kinds of animals which stand for the earth, water, fire, and wind. The art scattered through the walls is inspired by Buddhist teachings and beliefs in regard to modern society and its practices. It is a popular analysis that the temple focuses on the experiences to be felt in contrast to exhibiting traditional figures of stunning beauty.   

Aditi

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