Wat a wat!

Wat Pariwat is one of the most incongruous temple (a wat) I have ever seen in this country. This huge, colorful frieze lies above the main gate of the ubosot (assembly hall). You may think it is an ancient carving. But no, this is a modern Thai work of art. The construction of Wat Pariwat started 9 years ago. It will take another 25 years to complete it all. A group of about 30 craftsmen has been working on the decoration. It is something totally different and unexpected in Thailand. Every wall is not only carved but also engraved with colored items. This is all done by the hand of course. Some more, the decorative elements do not only show scenes of Thai culture. It is a blend of Hindu, Chinese, Muslim and even western images.
If you look carefully at this frieze, the procession on the foreground features Thais as well as Hindus and Chinese. And now, looking at the buildings in the background, you may recognize what seems to be St. Basil's in Moscow, church cupolas, oriental minarets, an evocation of the Taj Mahal, as well as a Chinese pagoda!

Nobody seems to know about this amazing temple under construction. If you want to read more about this, click on the link to my Blog.
My Blog