Monday, May 5, 2008

World's largest Chedi

Phra Pathom Chedi in the province of Nakhon Pathom, a 120M tall stupa, is claimed to be the tallest in the world. It certainly forms a BIG impression!

If you head west towards Kachanaburi, it is worth while to stop by. Better still, set out early from Bangkok, have breakfast at Don Wai Market en-route.

Satelite view as seen from Google Earth! Clear picture isn't it?














Approaching the Chedi... (entrance on right side of Google pic.)





















Stupa itself has no access inside, said to contain relic of Buddha.





















Devotees prayed before entering Chedi's ground.





















Looking up from its court yard.





















A very large circular base indeed!
















A circular courtyard surrounds the stupa.
















Statute of a Eunoch (of Chin Dynasty) guards over the courtyard?





















Novice monks studied religiously!

























































Buddhist books on sale around within its compound.





















Rows of elms for devotes to collect merits by putting a copper coin into each.





















Money changer looked bored, while her kitten toyed with money!
















Resemblance to Garfield?





















How you like this toilet sign? Didn't see the one for ladies!
















Updated Sept-08
I took my brother here last month, the Chedi was rigged up for repair works. Looking up at the scaffolding itself is quite amazing.. rigging it is quite a monumental task!
















I have always enjoyed its architecture and artwork walking around!






















I read the Chedi was built over an old one.. depicted here on a wall mural in a prayer hall (I missed out before). This family enjoyed the cool and serene atmosphere inside and the kids were absolutely well behaved!





















What caught my attention was the little boy (middle of picture) knelt in prayer.. what was going on in his young mind? (double click to enlarge photo)










However, what I missed was the "Garfield" kitten.. no longer to be seen again.

You may read more about the Chedi at this link:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Nakhon_Pathom

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