Visit to the Temple of Dawn

Traveling to an unknown destination is like solving a cryptic crossword. You crack the simple
clues first till you get a few words. After that you grope in the dark trying several permutations and
combinations till you get a few more words. But after several hours you begin to wonder if after all
this effort how your crossword will turn out to be? A success or a wasted effort or you tear the
paper in frustration! One is writing this from the ones river facing suite on the 58 th floor of Hotel
Lebua at Bangkok in Thailand.
The view from my room is breathtaking. An eagles eye view of the Chao Praya river as it winds
its way through Bangkok. Hotel Lebua at State Tower is nestled between the 50 th to 64th floor of
the State Tower, which is one of Bangkoks tallest buildings. Far in the horizon of Bangkoks
skyline, Lebua steals the show with its golden crown gleaming brighter and taller than the others.
Located a short walk away from Sathorn pier, Lebua is ideally located to explore the hidden
treasures of Bangkok by boat. One walks down to the pier, where one finds the Chao Praya
River Express waiting. These boats ply the length of the Chao Praya River from Sathorn pier
upto Nonthaburi. Our destination is the 8th stop along the route which is named Tha Tien pier.
One has to alight at Tha Tien pier and then take the ferry boat which ferries one across the river
to the other side. Wat Arun is located here, almost diagonally opposite Tha Tien pier. Wat Arun is
so named, as wat in thai means temple and arun means dawn. Thus Wat Arun is known as the
Temple of the Dawn, perhaps so named because the first light of morning is reflected off the
surface of the temple with a pearly iridescence. The temple is located on the west bank of the
Chao Phraya River. The full name of the temple is Wat Arunratchawararam
Ratchaworamahavihara.
There are a few ancient trees which are worshipped by the locals around this temple. A giant tree
greets visitors who alight from the boat and whose trunk is wrapped by colourful ribbons,
indicating its sacredness among the devout. This ancient temple is nestled in one of the quietest
corners of Bangkok, tucked away from the cacophonous traffic. One is surrounded on all sides by
manicured gardens and several trees. The natural beauty of the surroundings is unique. The hum
of the flowing river is sweet music to ones ears. Just outside the main temple is a giant peepal
tree, which is worshipped by the locals, who tie coloured ribbons on the trunk of the tree
symbolizing their reverence and devotion to the forces of nature. The central prang symbolizes
mount Meru of Indian cosmology. The satellite prangs are devoted to the wind god Phra Phai.
The demons at the entrance are from the Ramayana. The white figure is named Sahassa Deja
(Yaksha) and the green one is known as Thotsakan (Ravana) from the Ramayana. The energy
aura surrounding this ancient temple has to be experienced to be believed. It is like stepping back
into time, a few centuries in the past. The chirping of the birds, the fluttering of the leaves as the
river breeze blows across ones face and the grandeur of the temple touches the bottom of ones
heart.
As one moves into the temple one can see two giant figures outside the main entrance. Despite
its name from Aruna, the God of the Dawn, the best views of Wat Arun are at sunset. The
outstanding feature of Wat Arun is its central prang (a prang is a Khmer-style pagoda), which is
about 80 meters tall and symbolizes the legendary Mount Meru, center of the universe. Steep
steps lead to two terraces on the tower. The corners are surrounded by four smaller satellite
prangs, which are dedicated to the wind god Phra Phai. The prangs are decorated by seashells
and bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from
China. Around the base of the prang are various figures of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals.
Over the second terrace are four statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on Erawan. At the riverside
are six pavilions (sala) in Chinese style, made of green granite and contain landing bridges. Next
to the prangs is the ordination Hall with the Buddha image supposedly designed by King Rama II.

The front entrance has a roof with a central spire, decorated in coloured ceramic and stuccowork
in coloured china.

One can spend hours inside Wat Arun, just soaking in the sacred atmosphere, or meditating
under one of the numerous tress that surround the temple while listening to the chirping sounds
of birds and the humming sound of the flowing river. One may begin to wonder, if such tranquility
can be experienced in the middle of a bustling city teeming with millions of residents! But these
islands of serenity are what give people an opportunity to relax and forget about their daily
tensions and stress. Just watching life pass by sitting on the banks of the flowing river, under the
shade of a tree, absorbing oneself in the present is an experience to cherish and treasure. Wat
Arun provides the ideal setting for getting away from it all, inspite being in the middle of one of
Asias most bustling cities.
The boat cruise itself is relaxing, and it does become difficult to remind oneself that all good
things come to an end and it is time to take the ferry back to ones hotel.

How to get there?

Bangkok is connected by direct flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore.
From Sathorn pier it costs 13 Baht to reach Tha Tien pier by boat and 3 Baht for the ferry to reach
Wat Arun. There is no entrance fee for entering the temple complex but to enter the main temple
a fee of 30 Baht needs to be paid.

Where to stay?
Hotel Lebua at State Tower is ideally located as it is a short walk away from Sathorn pier. From
21st September to 31st March, Lebua has a unique short break package, which is a value for
money proposition for Indian tourists!
Where to eat?
Many small restaurants serving Thai cuisine are found on Silom Road. Freshly steamed
vegetables in red curry, served with steamed white rice is a local dish which is colourful and
decorated with carved tomatoes and coriander leaves. This dish as delicious to eat as it is
pleasing to the eyes. The food at the high profile hotels is only for the gastronomically
adventurous who like greasy food. Fresh tropical fruits including durians, mangosteens,
pineapples, tender coconuts and jack-fruits are available at the local market. Lebua at State
Towers buffet breakfast has a selection of fresh fruits, raisins, water-melon juice, orange juice,
fresh vegetable salad for vegans who dont consume any product of animal origin or products
which contain minute traces of any product of animal origin.

The sceanic view from the top of Hotel Lebua at State Tower

With a monk at Wat Arun

Wat Arun

Sacred tree