Bangkok must have hundreds of temples and shrines, so any attempt to cover them would be a rather tedious task. Therefore we set out to explore some of the not so much explorerd ones.

The first one is Wat Mahatat and can be reached when branching away from the crowds heading to the Royal Palace to the left around the corner.

Inside it is tranquil and every wall oozes peacefulness

Quite many monks live there and it is a school as well

Famous for its line of Buddhas

Not so famous but still nice are the pigeons

And some attempts by the gardener to have some fun as well

It seems this animal was more known

I like the mix of old and new

As written – peaceful

You are quite alone – even on a Sunday where everybody flocks in the Palace

More sedate

Old tables

Well, this happens after long hours of service – your tail falls off

Quite imposing architecture, too

I love the spikes

and roofs

the „naga“ (mythological snake) is everywhere

a bit closer

roof supports the other way

Quite tall buildings, too

very elegantly built

Ursi was so tired she just relaxed there in the relative coolness of the stairs and shade

the lamps are just nice

so elegant

something must be rather interesting up there…

But it wouldn’t be Bangkok if this air of holiness and sublime environment would be kept up too long… The cabling and everyday chores always bring you back very soon

Life is hard and making a living even harder so you have to sell what you can…

down the road to the next temple you  can find all kind of religious shops

where – with some luck – you see the model and the sculpture and one image

again… This time the less ascetic version…

As it was murderously hot people had a snooze in the shade

and we got some beer (illegally as you are prohibited to buy from 14:00 – 17:00) in the pharmacy (no kidding – the only request was to use the prescription bags)

Entering the second temple (Wat Suthat) we were shocked to see the workers without any support in flip-flops jumping around the roof. No wonder accidents are very often fatal…

Nether the less, back to sedate mode…

A patchwork horse

and the beloved roofs

door in door in door

Well, you cannot get more…

Perhaps…

Interesting sculptures – no idea though about the theological meaning but it is just joyful to see

Flat faced lion – new (temple) breed

Seeing the new monument of admiration through the window of the old

Rapair works

I couldn’t resist

Sheer beauty

 

the upper entry

guards to ward off evil spirits? (just an assumption…)

Take off your shoes before entering – you become selective if you have to do it 20 times a day…

A woman preparing a new statue

Guilding it actually

Fine layers of gold are applied to the stone

Which is cleaned and smeared in with a paste

As women are not allowed to touch the head of a Buddha / Boddhisatva (for sure some reformation – not only for these issues – is needed in that patriarchial society) I was asked to apply some leafs. I duly complied with the request and it was fun…

Another temple lion

monster fish

Best are the translations. Here Google translate went over the board and you just have to laugh…

 

This is among the best we have ever seen

And this one… gibberish at its best