Wat Rong Khun
At first glance, Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Thailand looks like an ethereal palace straight out of Arabian Nights. The milky white edifice inlaid with millions of tiny pieces of mirrored glass is a unique modern Buddhist temple. The temple complex is under construction, but it has already become a national landmark.
The project began in 1997 with the construction of the ubosot (assembly hall). Its white colour symbolises Lord Buddha’s purity while the mirrors reflect his wisdom which radiates through the universe.
The temple’s exterior is full of ornamental sculptures. The bridge leading to the temple represents crossing over from the human world of rebirth to the house of Lord Buddha. It is built over a ‘pit of hell’ depicting hundreds of sculpted hands reaching out for succour. Beautiful gilded murals adorn its interior. If you look closely, you will also find images of Superman and spaceships in the paintings!
Chalermchai Kositpipat, an eminent Thai artist is the creative force behind the temple design. He has dedicated his life to the complex which will have nine buildings when complete.
