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  1. #1
    Thailand Expat Bobcock's Avatar
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    Bobcock at Wat Suthatthepwararam Rajaworamahavihara (Wat suthat) and the Giant Swing

    Sunday was a day of photographing temples and other items of interest in the older part of the city.

    Arrived at way Suthat at 6:30 am and the light for taking pics of the Giant Swing was awesome.

    The temple was commissioned by King Rama I in 1807 to house the Phra Sri Sakayamunee from Sukhothai.

    The Phra Ubosot houses the Phra Buddah Trilokachet, which was cast on the orders of King Rama III.

    First pics are of the Giant Swing













    The first bot inside the door for some reason had all this thread across the temple which made taking pics difficult. I think it was designed to discourage pidgeons flying in the door from going up into the roof.










  2. #2
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    Great pics when does the swing get put up and do people ever swing from it ?

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat Bobcock's Avatar
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    The outside of the front bot which the above pics were taken inside of



    A young Nairn. he was 12 years old, but refused to flash his smile for the camera despite wearing it at all other times.



    Interesting guard figure, there were many around the Phra ubosot, which is very large and long.



    Inside the Phra ubosot and the Phra Buddah Trilokachet. the monks were in having an early morning chant.





    A fasting buddah image outside the front door.








    Wall murals depicting the Ramayana



    next temple will be Wat Mahathat Yuwararajarangsart Rajaworamahavihara, followed by two lesser know Royal Temples.

  4. #4
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    alphagirl's Avatar
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    Very nice

  5. #5
    Thailand Expat Bobcock's Avatar
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    No, no longer do they use the swing in the traditional way. it was swung on by Brahmin Priests but I believe the ceremony was banned in the 1930's, but that's all from memory, i'll look it up.

  6. #6
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    daveboy's Avatar
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    I've found this pic on a search


  7. #7
    Thailand Expat Bobcock's Avatar
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    Sao Ching Cha, the Giant Swing was built in 1784 by Rama I. During Brahmin ceremonies, teams of 4 would swing in 180 degree arcs but to 25m, one participant trying to bite off a sack of gold hung from tall poles.

    It caused many deaths and was abolished in 1935.

  8. #8
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    daveboy's Avatar
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    ^
    Wouldn't fancy a go on that

  9. #9
    Thailand Expat Bobcock's Avatar
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    few busted teeth I'd say.

  10. #10
    Thailand Expat terry57's Avatar
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    ^

    Great photos of the inside of the bot and the Buddhas.

    Well done bobby, your a champion.

    Cheers

  11. #11
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    cimboc's Avatar
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    Top stuff Bob, I can see I'm going to have to hunt you down when we get over there next year to have some fun with the camera

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