Architecture of Buddhism

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Architecture is associated with Buddhism and politics.
It is the art and science about construction that consists of art .
It is associated with Buddhism because such as Buddhist sanctuaries, Buddha image halls,
sermon halls and pagodas have been respected by Thai people, from their ancestors’ periods until now.
The constructions of the places and objects were inspired by religious beliefs and have become political ideology.

Gate

Explanation

The giant sculptures at the entrance to Wat Pho’s mondop are with red and green bodies.
They have similar figures of the giants in Ramayana literature.
People often make a mistake by thinking that Chinese stone dolls or “Lanthan”
located at the entrance of temples are Wat Pho Giants.

Different

It is the identification for convenient access
to the Buddhist shrine and monastery. There is, also,
a main gate which is the entrance to principle Buddha image center.

Pagoda

Explanation

Pagoda and prang were used to be built for keeping Lord Buddha’s relics but
since a large number of pagodas and prangs have been built, some of them are without
relic insides but containing only Lord Buddha images. There are pagodas of conical shape,
rectangular conical shape and budding lotus shape. Most of them are found in Sukhothai.
Prangs are normally situated in groups of single, triple or quintuple prangs.

Different

“Hor Pra Tham” or “Hor Tri” is the hall
for keeping the scriptures for the study of the monks.

Prayer Room

Explanation

Most of the architectures in Ratchanaddaram Temple were created in Thai styles.
Ubosot consists of gable apexes and tooth-like ridges. Pediment is decorated
with lacquer relief molding covered with gold leaf and insert with glasses.
A principle Lord Buddha image is located inside the ubosot.

Different

It is the place where the monks used for
performing religious rites that used to be performed
in open air areas bounded by “Sima”.

House of sprite

Explanation

It is a small structure built as a shrine for the spirit of the land.
This small house or temple hall like structure or “param” is mounted
on a single pillar made by concrete or wood. It is usually located at
an auspicious spot, most often at the corner of the place or a location
in the fenced area. It is possible for a house to have more than one spirit house.

Different

Worshiping to the spirit inhabited in the spirit house
is made by offering a garland of flowers and foods.
This is usually done before the ceremonies arranged
at the house or on some important days.