Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the oldest and largest temple complexes in Bangkok, Thailand. It is renowned for housing a 46-meter long reclining Buddha that is covered in gold leaf and is one of the country’s most revered religious artifacts. Constructed by King Rama I in the 18th century, Wat Pho also symbolizes the restoration of the Thai monarchy in the capital city of Bangkok. The temple complex contains a vast array of Buddha images and is considered a center for traditional Thai massage, which is still taught and practiced at the temple. Wat Pho is also a place of education, with inscriptions on various subjects, such as history, medicine, and literature, found throughout the temple. The temple complex features beautifully decorated stupas, a central bot, murals, and intricate carvings that depict various scenes and figures from Thai culture and Buddhism, making it a rich repository of art and history.
