WAT BENCHAMABOPHIT/THE MARBLE TEMPLE

The name 'Wat Bechamabophit' simply means : the temple of the Fifth King, is one of Thailand's most beautiful temples.

 Better known to foreigners as 'the Marble Temple', it is located close to Dusit palace. Wat Benchamabophit is not heavily promoted as a tourist destination, and therefore the number of foreign visitors is relatively small. There were only less than 10 of us during my visit.
The main structure at Wat Benchamabophit is the Ubosoth Hall(ordination hall). It is one of the finest works of architectural art of the Bangkok period. The Ubosoth has four gables, with the east gable being the main entrance.  The Ubosoth was constructed with Carrara marble from Italy, therefore the name.

The cloister or so-called gallery is at the rear of the Ubosoth. At the cloister of the Ubosoth 52 Buddha images are enshrined. Some are original and have been brought here from all corners of the Kingdom and from abroad. Others are copies (often enlarged) from important Buddha images. Walking and observing the Buddha images is a study in Buddha image iconography. You will see the Buddha in many different postures and with different hand gestures. 

 

Inside the Ubosoth, Phra Buddha Chinnarat is the main Buddha image. It is a replica of Phra Buddha Chinnarat at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok province. The image is in bronze (with an unusual blue lighting around it) and with the gesture of the Buddha subduing Mara.
Beneath the Buddha's throne, the ashes of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) are interred.

 

There are other buildings found in the temple compound connected by a red-bricked bridge.