Overview:

Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, or the Marble Temple, is one of the most beautiful and well-known temples in Bangkok. This temple is often referred to simply as the Marble Temple and is a revered pilgrimage site for many Thai people. It was designed by a highly-respected monk, Mongkut, who was also the King of Thailand between 1851 and 1862. The temple features an ornate mix of Thai and European styles, and is renowned for its large display of Buddha statues, depicting various postures from seated to reclining. The grounds are stunningly peaceful and the combination of 19th Century Thai and European sculptures make the temple a unique and iconic place to visit. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Thailand
Prominent Features:

1. The Ornate Chedi: The main feature of Wat Benchamabophit is a magnificent whitewashed marble chedi. This bell-shaped structure is 31 meters in height, and is thought to have been modeled on the Mahacetiyaprathan chedi at India's Bodhgaya temple. 2. Buddha Statues: The temple features two large, highly ornate Buddha statues. One is known as Phra Buddha Chinarat, and the other is Phra Maha Mondop. Both are seated on ornate thrones and wearing beautiful robes. 3. Ubosot: The ubosot is the ordination hall and the heart of the temple complex. It is made primarily of golden teak and decorated with intricate designs and sculptures. The seating is on finely crafted wooden benches. 4. Monastery: A monastery complex is attached to Wat Benchamabophit and provides accommodation for monks, scholars and students of Buddhism. 5. The Gallery: This gallery consists of life-size bronze Buddhas and countless smaller statues arranged along each side of a long aisle. 6. The Gallery of the Gods: This is a collection of statues of various gods from the Brahman and Hindu pantheons. 7. The Lotus Pond: The peaceful water in the pond is used to fulfill a traditional Buddhist practice of offering models of small boats as gifts to the gods. 8. The Bell Tower: The bell tower that is located next to the temple is believed to have been modelled after a Burmese pagoda design. This national monument of Thailand portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, commonly known as the Marble Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Bangkok, Thailand. It was built in the early 20th century by King Chulalongkorn, who was the fifth king of the Chakri Dynasty. It is believed to be one of the most famous temples in Thailand, both for its architectural significance and because of its many intricate sculptures and artworks. The temple was consecrated in 1899 by King Chulalongkorn and is dedicated to his father, King Mongkut. The temple is also a must-see destination for visitors to Bangkok due to its distinct marble construction and the perfect balance of Thai, Chinese and European architectural styles. The temple received its name from the Italian marble used in its construction, a present to the King from his Italian advisor Annibale Di Giove. The temple's interior is decorated with marble images of Hindu gods, such as Vishnu and Shiva, as well as sculptures of the Laughing Buddha, which serves to balance the temple's religious diversity. The temple has a main ordination hall known as the ubosot, which is used for conducting religious ceremonies. Inside, visitors can find Buddha images and a sacred relic of the Buddha. Alongside the ubosot is a bell tower which contains a number of bells that are used to signal prayers. The temple is important to Bangkok in memory of the good relationship between the city and the Chakri Dynasty. It is considered a symbol of Buddhist worship in Thailand due to its fusion of different religions and cultures. In 2005, the temple was inscribed onto the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which recognised its contribution to Chinese and Western architectural styles in Bangkok. It has since become a popular tourist destination for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. You must visit one of these historical places in Thailand on your Thailand tour

Interesting facts:

1. Wat Benchamabophit is the first temple to be constructed entirely from Italian Carrar marble in Thailand. 2. Wat Benchamabophit is one of the most famous temples and tourist attractions in Bangkok. 3. The temple was commissioned by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and completed in the year 1899. 4. Wat Benchamabophit is unique for its combination of traditional Thai architecture and European-style details. 5. Wat Benchamabophit is the centerpiece of the Dusitvanaram Royal Park, which includes a lake, botanical gardens, palaces, and museum. 6. The main feature inside the Wat Benchamabophit is a large Buddha image called Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful Buddha images in Thailand. 7. Wat Benchamabophit is home to a sacred relic from the Buddha, stored inside a small stupa. 8. The temple is also home to the sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha, as a relic of the Buddha was brought to Wat Benchamabophit when it was constructed. Visit one of the famous monuments of Thailand with your friends and family.