Pilgrimage to Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew

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Hello everyone

For years, I'd been longing to visit "Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew." It's this beautiful temple perched on a high hill in Phetchabun Province. Finally, the stars aligned, and I got the chance not only to go but to take my mom and grandkids along.

The journey was surprisingly easy thanks to good roads. When we got to the foot of the hill, there was this sense of something special in the air. We hiked up, and when we reached the top, it was like stepping into another world. The view was stunning, with the temple standing tall against the sky.

Visiting "Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew" during winter is a whole different experience. The morning mist adds this magical touch to the surroundings, making it even more beautiful. But, when we went in the summer, it was scorching hot. I'd advise anyone planning a visit to pack some thick socks because you can't wear shoes inside the temple area. If you forget, don't worry; there's a shop at the entrance selling socks. It's a small detail but can make a big difference in your comfort during the visit.

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Absolutely! The sheer beauty of the "Maha Viharn of the Five Buddhas" is enough to make you forget about the heat. Those five white Buddha images stacked on top of each other, sitting gracefully on a lotus base adorned with white tiles—it's a sight to behold. And when you take in that view against the backdrop of the majestic cliffs, it's truly awe-inspiring. The grandeur and splendor of the viharn are so convincing that you're completely immersed in its magnificence, leaving the sweltering heat a distant thought. It's moments like these that remind you of the incredible power of beauty and spirituality to transcend discomfort and elevate the soul.

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The "Maha Viharn of the Five Buddhas" is not just a visual spectacle from the outside; its interior is equally captivating. While the viharn boasts a total of 7 floors, visitors are typically restricted to exploring the first 2 floors. However, even within these limited levels, there's a wealth of beauty to behold.

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As you step inside, you're greeted by an array of stunning Buddha statues, each exuding its own unique sense of serenity and grace. These statues, crafted with meticulous detail, serve as focal points of reverence and reflection for visitors.

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But the beauty doesn't stop there. Encased within glass cabinets, you'll find intricately carved wooden artworks, each telling its own story of craftsmanship and devotion. These delicate carvings, illuminated by the soft glow of the temple's interior, add an extra layer of enchantment to the sacred space.

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Upon ascending to the second floor of the "Maha Viharn of the Five Buddhas," visitors are greeted by a breathtaking sight: a grand and magnificent white reclining Buddha image. This majestic figure lies in repose, radiating an aura of tranquility and serenity that envelops the entire space. What truly sets this reclining Buddha apart is its exquisite adornments. The front of the reclining Buddha image is adorned with intricate decorations of beautiful flower bushes, their delicate petals seemingly frozen in perpetual bloom. Amongst these floral wonders stand elegant white deer, their graceful forms adding a touch of regal splendor to the scene.

As visitors gaze upon this masterpiece of art and devotion, they can't help but be drawn into its beauty and symbolism. Each element, from the serene countenance of the reclining Buddha to the graceful presence of the deer and the blooming flowers, speaks to the eternal cycle of life, renewal, and spiritual awakening. In the presence of such magnificence, one can't help but feel a sense of reverence and awe. It's a moment of profound connection with the divine, where beauty transcends the mundane and transports the soul to a realm of transcendence and peace.

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As visitors explore the second floor of the "Maha Viharn of the Five Buddhas," they are surrounded by a treasure trove of beauty and history. Alongside the majestic reclining Buddha, the space is adorned with an array of Buddha statues, each captured in various postures, emanating their own unique aura of serenity and wisdom.

But it's not just the Buddha statues that captivate the eye; scattered throughout the floor are stunning antiques, each with its own story to tell. These relics of the past, carefully preserved and displayed, offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region, inviting visitors to delve deeper into its history and significance.

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In addition to the scattered antiques, a glass cabinet stands as a beacon of craftsmanship and artistry. Within its confines lie breathtaking wood carvings, meticulously crafted with intricate detail and skill. These carvings, illuminated by the soft glow of the temple's interior, showcase the ingenuity and talent of the artisans who created them, leaving visitors in awe of their beauty and craftsmanship.

As visitors wander through this sanctuary of beauty and history, they can't help but feel a sense of reverence and wonder. Each artifact, each carving, tells a story of devotion and dedication, inviting all who behold them to pause, reflect, and appreciate the timeless beauty and wisdom they represent.

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As visitors descend from the enchanting second floor of the "Maha Viharn of the Five Buddhas," they are greeted by a modern marvel—a stainless steel sculpture resembling a crystal ball. This shimmering masterpiece reflects the surrounding beauty, casting a kaleidoscope of colors that dance in the sunlight. Its presence serves as a contemporary contrast to the timeless treasures housed within the temple's walls.

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Directly ahead, commanding attention with its majestic presence, stands the Phra That Pha Kaew Chedi. This towering edifice, adorned with golden lotus petal motifs, exudes an aura of sacred grandeur. Its surface is meticulously decorated with tiles and stones, arranged in intricate patterns and vibrant hues that captivate the eye and stir the soul.

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The Phra That Pha Kaeo Chedi is a true marvel of artistry and craftsmanship, adorned with a breathtaking array of decorations that captivate the eye and stir the imagination. Tiles of various colors, gleaming with hues of azure, emerald, and ruby, create a mosaic of beauty that covers every inch of the pagoda's surface.

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But it's not just tiles that adorn this sacred structure; it's a veritable treasure trove of jewels and gemstones pearls and precious stones, sparkling with iridescence, cascading down the sides of the pagoda, casting shimmering reflections in the sunlight. Benjarong bowls, adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, add a touch of elegance and refinement to the ensemble.

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These exquisite decorations, meticulously arranged with care and precision, transform the Phra That Pha Kaeo Chedi into a sight to behold—a true masterpiece that delights and inspires all who lay eyes upon it. Tourists from far and wide flock to marvel at its beauty, each decoration a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans who crafted them.

As visitors gaze upon this magnificent display, they can't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe. It's a testament to the enduring power of human creativity and ingenuity, a reminder of the boundless depths of beauty that can be found in the world around us. And amidst the splendor of the Phra That Pha Kaeo Chedi, they find themselves transported to a realm of enchantment and wonder, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the mundane becomes divine.

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Thank you for your support
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Those temples are such a different thing from what people from Europe usually get to see. They feel like a whole new mood even just from the pictures! I can only imagine what is it like to be there in person :)

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Absolutely! The temples in Asia, like the ones in the pictures, offer a unique and serene atmosphere. Being there in person is truly an unforgettable experience.

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Wow, amazing place to visit.. thanks for taking us to your trip virtually 😃😄

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You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the virtual trip. 😃😄

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