Wat Phra Kaew - Phra Prang
Phra Atsada Maha Chedi (Phra Prang)
This group of eight Prang stands in front of the temple. The form of a Thai Prang derives from the Khmer Prasat. It was built in the reign of King Rama I, The eight Prangs are of different colours and each one is dedicated to a certain Buddhist concept or a specific element of Buddhism.
We will start with the north Prangs and move the south.
1. White for the Buddha.
2. Purplish Blue for the Dhamma.
3. Pink for the community of Buddhist monks.
4. Green for Buddhist Nuns who existed in the old period.
5. Purple for the Pacceka Buddha who has attained enlightenment but not able to teach the knowledge to human beings.
6. Dark Blue for the Universal Monarchs.
7. Red for the Bodhisattvas who practice great virtues and will be Enlightened and became the Buddha in the next life.
8. Yellow for the Buddha Ariyamaittrai, Mahayana Buddhism calls him Maitreya, the future Buddha.
Wat Phra Kaew - Convocation Hall
This is Phra Ubosoth or convovation hall for the Buddhist clergy. This Ubosoth was built in 1782-1785 by King Rama I for enshring the Emerald Buddha, the external walls of Ubonsoth are covered with gold stucco and coloured mosaics. These figures of Thai Chinese - culture mix while on the internal wall are describing the life of the Buddha and other subjects. Entry to the chapel is on the east side. Inside the Convocation Hall containing the Emerald Buddha, there also are other interesting items.
The gold - covered wooden throne. The mother - of - pearldoor - panels. The large standing crowned Buddha images dedicated king Rama I and king Rama II. A small bronze Buddha image called Phra Sambuddhapanni created by king Rama IV. The crowned Buddha images in bronze in the attitude of calming the ocean. Mural painting inside Ubosoth and bronze lion door-guardians.
