Discovering Beautiful Temples of Cultural Heritage in Bangkok

Bangkok is a city of contrasts, where time-honored traditions meet contemporary urban life. To unveil the city's cultural heritage by visiting its famous temples, each a testament to the artistic and spiritual legacy that defines Thailand's capital!   Before visiting the temples, here are some etiquettes advice for visiting Thai temples : - You need to dress appropriately. Make sure your shoulders are covered, and if you wear a dress, skirt, or pants, it needs to be below the knee-length one. - Take off your shoes, hat and sunglasses - Pay respect to Buddha statues. Respect other's beliefs by not touching the art on the walls, the altar, the Buddha image, or the monk. - Talk quite because the temple is a religious place for the Buddhists. - Get permission before taking pictures   1. Wat Phra Kaew   Source : https://smarthistory.org/ The word 'wat' in Thai means 'temple.' Wat Phra Kaew, known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The temple's construction started in 1783, ordered by Rama I, the first king of the Chakri dynasty. Since then, each king has added to and improved the temple to honor the dynasty and gain religious merit. Many important ceremonies, led by the king and attended by officials, are held at the temple each year. This makes it the country's main place of worship and a national shrine. Over the years, each king has given sacred and valuable items to the temple, turning it into a treasure trove. Opening Hour :  8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Entrance Fee  : 500 Baht   2. Wat Arun Source : https://facts.net/world/landmarks Wat Arun in Thai means “Temple of Dawn”. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruṇa, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun. Of course there is a corelation between the name of the temple and its history. This temple has been around since the time of King Taksin, who ruled in 1768. King Taksin came to the temple at dawn after winning a war against the Burmese Kingdom. The history of Wat Arun shows the promise made by Thailand's third king, King Rama III. The rightful heir to the throne should be King Rama III's older brother, but King Rama II considered Rama III was more capable. King Rama III promised his brother he would restore Thailand's power after completing his tasks. He kept his promise and, as a symbol, placed the royal crown on top of the temple. Opening Hour : 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Entrance Fee :  100 Baht   Read more! Another Thailand’s related article : “Savory but Taste Beautifully : Thai Culinary in Bangkok”   3. Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan (Loha Prasat) Source : https://peakd.com/ Meaning Temple of the Royal Niece, the temple was built to the order of King Nangklao (Rama III) for his granddaughter, Princess Somanass Waddhanawathy in 1846. The temple is also popularly known as Loha Prasat which means “the iron palace” in Thai. It has 37 metal tower peaks 36 meters high, the only ones remaining in the world, and symbolizes the 37 virtues of the path to enlightenment in Buddhist belief. Open daily 08.00AM - 5.00PM Entrance fee : 20 baht   4. Wat Khaek Source : https://touristbangkok.com/ Wat Khaek is a Hindu temple with South Indian architecture located on Si Lom Road in Bangkok, Thailand. It was built in 1879 by Vaithi Padayatchi, a Tamil Hindu immigrant. After India became a British colony in 1858, many people from Tamil Nadu chose to leave their country. Some of them came to Bangkok, working as gemstone traders or cattle ranchers. Vaithi Padayatchi, a leader among these immigrants, built this temple about ten years after they arrived. A street in Silom is named after him. Opening Hours : 06.00AM – 06:00PM Entrance Fee : 20 Baht   5. Wat Pho Source : https://www.tripsavvy.com/ Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's oldest temples, existing before Bangkok became the capital under King Rama I. In Thai, Wat Pho means “the Temple of the Reclining Buddha”. It is located right behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This is one of the largest temple complexes in the city. It is famous for its huge reclining Buddha statue that is 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf. Wat Pho is also the top temple among the six first-class royal temples in Thailand. Opening hours : 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM Entrance Fee : 200 Baht   Read more! Another Country's related article : "5 Unique Vietnamese Coffee Menu Items"

Get the Good Fortune by Visiting Shrines in Tokyo

Japan is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. It's famous for its advanced technology, busy cities like Tokyo, and impressive infrastructure. At the same time, Japan holds on to its rich cultural and religious traditions. Shintoism and Buddhism are the main religions, seen in the many old shrines and temples across the country.  The difference between Shrines and Temples is Shrines are built to serve the Shinto religious tradition and are characterized by a Torii gate at the entrance. At the same time, temples are built to serve the Buddhist religious tradition and are characterized by a sanmon gate at the entrance. Japanese believe in both beliefs to get good fortune, and it’s not restricted to foreigners if they want to join to pray at a shrine or temple. Let’s get good fortune by visiting the famous shrines and temples I’ll show in this article!   1. Senso-ji Temple Source : https://www.historyhit.com/locations/sensoji-temple/ Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple is a one of Tokyo's most popular Buddhist temple, located in Asakusa. According to the legend, in the year 628, two brothers pulled a statue of Kannon, the goddes merciful nirvana achiever, from the Sumida River. Despite their attempts to return the statue to the river, it repeatedly came back to them. As a result, Sensoji Temple was constructed nearby in honor of Kannon. Sensoji Temple was founded in 628, but the current red building is newer because it was rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II.   2. Hie Shrine Source : https://ahmadfz.my.id/blog-nl/tokyo-hie-shrine.html Hie Shrine has a history of about 800 years, and is located on a small mountain close to the Akasaka area, Chiyoda. Hie Shrine is considered a "power spot" that brings good fortune to those looking for a partner, those who are married or about to be married, and those raising children. Many Japanese people choose to have their wedding ceremony at this shrine. If you visit Hie-jinja Shrine on the weekend, you might see a bride in a beautiful kimono during a traditional wedding.   Read more! Another Japan's related article : “Your Anime Life Comes True : Activities and Attractions in Tokyo”   3. Meiji-Jingu Shrine Source : https://www.viator.com/en-NZ/Tokyo-attractions Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. It was built eight years after the passing of the emperor and six years after the passing of the empress. Though it was destroyed in the war, the shrine was quickly rebuilt. Besides its history, Meiji-Jingu Shrine has a sanctuary, forest, garden, and museum, and holds ceremonies and events for visitors to enjoy. You can see more details on its website https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/   4. Kanda Shrine Source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanda_Shrine The Kanda Shrine, also called "Kanda Myoujin," was originally constructed around 1,300 years ago in Otemachi, Chiyoda-ward, Tokyo. During the early Edo period in 1603, it was relocated to Kanda-dai because of the expansion of Edo Castle. Later, in 1616, it moved to its present location. At Kanda Myojin Shrine, you can pray for prosperity, good luck, and marriage. The shrine is home to three main gods, known as kami, including Daikokuten and Ebisu, who are part of the seven Gods of Fortune. Daikokuten oversees abundant harvests and marriages, while Ebisu is the god of fisheries and business.   5. Zojoji Temple Source : https://www.japan.travel/id/spot/1636/ Zōjōji Temple (増上寺) is the main temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism in the Kanto Region. Located next to Tokyo Tower, the temple grounds feature impressive buildings, including a mausoleum for the Tokugawa family and a small museum. Many of Zojoji's buildings today are modern reconstructions, except for the main gate, the Sangedatsumon, which has survived numerous fires, earthquakes, and wars since it was built in 1622. The temple was first constructed in 1393 and later relocated to its current site in 1598 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who chose it as his family's temple. At the rear of the complex, there is a mausoleum where the tombs of six Tokugawa shoguns are housed.   Read more! Another Country’s related article : "Discovering Beautiful Temples of Cultural Heritage in Bangkok"