People might be unaware of the spiritual depth that Bangkok has to offer due to the modern lifestyle it is popularly known for. The city is a spiritual haven featuring numerous ancient temples, shrines, sacred rituals and mystical experiences. Bangkok perfectly blends spirituality, culture and modernity. Bangkok’s spiritual side offers a range of experiences from meditation and chanting to astrology and Thai massage. The Buddhist culture here has shaped the architecture and way of life of its people. Exploring the city’s spiritual landscape leaves an unparalleled impact on the people. In this article we have mentioned some of the best spiritual places to visit in Bangkok which you should not miss.
Look at the following hidden spiritual gems of Bangkok and add them on your bucket list for your next visit:
1. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun temple is a very famous spiritual site in Bangkok. The temple is extremely beautiful, and you can see heavy emphasis of Buddhist and Hindu culture in its architecture. The Central Prang of the temple represents Mount Meru- centre of the universe. The Ordination Hall is the heart of Wat Arun and the temple’s cloisters showcase exquisite tiles and gold details. The Central Prang is decorated with stucco, seashells and porcelain fragments which reflect the sun’s rays during sunrise and sunset. You can get a panoramic view of the city by climbing the prang.
The temple offers a very sacred environment and locals and visitors light incense, offer lotus flowers, interact with monks and take their blessings and pray at the smaller shrines near the temple. It is better to visit the temple in the morning to see the beauty of the temple during sunrise. The spiritual experience you get here, along with a marvellous architecture, is unforgettable and this is the best spiritual place to visit in Bangkok.
2. Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Budha)
Wat Pho is another very famous temple which embodies Buddhist culture at its core. There is a 46 metre long reclining Buddha statue that depicts Buddha entering the nirvana stage- a stage of complete enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Apart from worshipping, the temple is also a centre of Buddhist studies on meditation, yoga and Thai massage. Visitors can learn about the techniques and benefits of traditional Thai massage.
Visiting the temple gives so much healing and positivity. The spiritual experience is nothing less than therapy. This is one of the best spiritual places to visit in Bangkok which also involves learning and healing of the soul.
3. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Budhha)
Wat Phra Kaew is a highly valued and sacred temple in Bangkok. The temple has an Buddha statue which shows Buddha in his meditative state. The statue is carved out of single piece of jade and is decorated with gold and diamonds. The architecture shows heavy emphasis of Thai culture along with images and relics of Buddha.
People have unwavering faith that the statue is a sign of good fortune and prosperity for them. It is seen as the protector of the people of Bangkok. You can see many murals based on the life of Buddha. It is surely one of the best spiritual places to visit in Bangkok to explore Thai culture and heritage.
4. Erawan Shrine
Erawan Shrine is a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to Brahma, who is known as the god of creation. This shrine attracts both locals and tourists to seek blessings for good fortune, health and success. People even offer flowers, incense sticks, and light candles to offer obeisances. Visitors can also see traditional Thai dance performances, which are offered to Brahma as a form of devotion when people’s prayers get answered. This temple showcases the deep significance of Hinduism and the spiritual diversity of Thailand.
5. Trimurti Shrine
Trimurti Shrine traditionally represents the cosmic function of creation, preservation and destruction. However, the Trimurti shrine in Thai culture is known to be the shrine of love. It is believed that worshipping Trimurti will enable them to find their eternal partners.
People come here to pray about finding love and even offer red roses and red candles and incense sticks. They also believe that Thursday night at 9:30 pm is the most auspicious time to worship. The Trimurti shrine perfectly shows the blend of Hinduism and Thai culture where both devotion and local beliefs coexist.
6. Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
Wat Saket is a beautiful temple surrounded by tranquillity and serenity. The 78 metre high hill offers an amazing view of the whole city. While climbing the mount, you can see prayer bells, gongs and many small shrines to create that spiritual environment even more peaceful. The temple also has many important images and relics of Buddha. There is also a candlelight procession that happens on Loy Krathong festival and devotees seem to enjoy this spiritual bliss. It is one of the best spiritual places to visit in Bangkok for reaching a level of peace that our mind searches for.
Conclusion
Bangkok holds deep spiritual significance and the city’s heritage speaks for the influence that Hinduism and Buddhism have on it. You cannot ignore the spiritual realm that the city has to offer amidst the busy, vibrant lifestyle. The spiritual sites are like a sacred thread that binds Hindu and Buddhist cosmology and Thai culture together.
The spiritual destinations are like therapy to your soul and they have healing powers that calm your mind. In this article we threw light on some of the best spiritual places to visit in Bangkok that are a calling to your heart. Make sure to add them on your bucket list when you visit Bangkok the next time.
