The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew, is the main shrine in Bangkok and one of the most significant sacred temples in Thailand. Moreover, it is an important Buddhist pilgrimage center and one of the most visited landmarks. Although the temple itself deserves particular attention, the reason for its popularity is a small Buddha statue 66 centimeters high made of pure emerald.

It was found in Wat Phra Kaew in the early 15th century. The exact age of the sacred relic has remained unknown, as well as its original place. There is an eternal dispute about its location. Some claim that the statue was discovered inside another Buddha statue made of clay. Others assure that it was covered with golden plates previously. And while they argue, long lines of pilgrims and tourists never end on the way to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Servants regularly change the statue clothes according to the ancient Buddhist tradition. Only the king of Thailand, annually taking part in this ceremony, can come close to the statue. In summer, the Buddha’s shoulders are covered with medieval royal robes, in autumn – with modest robes of monks, and in winter – with a gold scarf like a festive outfit. Two bronze lions brought by King Rama I from the neighboring Kingdom of Cambodia meet visitors at the entrance to the shrine. Doors and windows are decorated with floral patterns. Gilded sculptures of the mythical bird kings Garuda, half-birds-half-people, symbolizing the enlightenment of the mind on the way to expanding consciousness, adorn the foot of the temple. The temple of the Emerald Buddha got its luxurious interior decoration (especially frescoes) thanks to another ruler, King Rama III. Then it became common to hold royal ceremonies and celebrate holidays here. King Rama IV gave Wat Phra Kaew a copy of the legendary Khmer temple of Cambodia, Angkor Wat. Rama V, in his turn, ordered to repeat this copy in plaster. Each ruler of Thailand tried to decorate the main royal shrine and thereby perpetuate their names in the history of the kingdom.