“One of the great beauties of architecture is that each time, it is like life starting all over again.“
There is something unique about Nature that continues to inspire the creativity of humans in myriad forms and architects are no exception to it. The epitome of pristine beauty, “The White Temple” is one of the most awe-inspiring architectural wonders existing in this world.
The original temple was once in an unimaginable shabby state. One of the most renowned artists from Thailand named “Chalermchai Kositpipat” renovated this holy temple with his funds. A perfect amalgamation of contemporary architecture style and timeless Thai Buddhist temple art, the unconventional style in which this temple was revamped did end up captivating the imagination of none other than the Rama IX (King of Thailand). Chalermchai Kositpipat soon etched his name as one of the greatest modern artists of Thailand after the kind recognized his artistic prowess.
The white colour of “Wat Rong Khun” embodies the unsullied purity of Buddha and the mirrored surface symbolizes the wisdom of Buddha shinning out across the Universe and the Earth in the form of sheer light. The temple conveys a perceptive message that the essence of human life is not to indulge in materialism but rather to escape the temptation, greed and desire to attain Nirvana.
The gigantic painting of the head of the demon is covered with diversified kinds of modern idols that represent nothing but distractions in the form of vivid human faces who are in the quest of achieving lasting enlightenment.
The intricate and iconic detailing of the temple speaks volume of the unparalleled creative mind of its architecture “Chalermchai Kositpipat”. The myriad elements of the temple encompassing “Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth” acts as a tiny bridge meant to cross a lake to arrive at the temple’s main building. Hundreds of hands that appear to reach from the front of the bridge, symbolize unrestrained desire. The two well-designed Buddhist mythological creatures named Kinnaree that appear as half-human and half-bird further take forward the entire ubiquitous charm of the temple to the next level. The Ubosot is reckoned as the temple’s main building of the temple. The Ubosot features a profusion of a three-tiered roof and Naga serpent. The ornate décor of the Golden Building is spell-binding beyond words.
The White Temple is nestled at 15 km outside the Chiang Rai province (Northern Thailand). It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the White Temple. The temple was opened to the general public in 1997. While the Thai citizens can visit the temple free of cost, the foreign visitors require shelling out a nominal amount for buying the ticket. Clicking pictures inside the white temple is forbidden and hence the only way to embrace the unsullied beauty of this unique temple is by visiting it.
“The White Temple” is certainly on my travel bucket list. What about you? Do not forget to share in the comments your opinion about “The White Temple”.
“Design is where science and art break even.”
