Chiang Rai: Wat Rong Khun 清莱的灵光寺

About 20km south of Chiang Mai or 5 km south of Chiang Rai stood the sparkling magnificient Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple)  - uniquely constructed in white colour and finely crafted with millions of radiant reflective glass mosaics embedded in white plaster that shines in the sunlight and shimmers in the moonlight.

Designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, one of Thailand's most renowned artists who continues his lifework by putting his religious belief and desire to enrich Buddhism with his contemporary art design into the construction of Wat Rong Khun  as a dedication to Lord buddha and his country, Thailand at his own expenses. 

Construction of the main temple began only in 1997. Prior to this, Chalermchai Kositpipat accumulated 30 million baht through the sale of his paintings for 20 years. The colour white was chosen as a reference to Buddha’s purity whereas the mirror stands for Lord Buddha’s wisdom that “shines brightly all over the Earth and the Universe.”  

Everyone is welcome to visit Wat Rong Khun. There is no admission fee. And if you're wearing an outfit below your knee (before entering the temple area), you'll be given a white sarong to wear for free. Don't forget to return it before you leave. (which i almost forgot!)

The temple is surrounded by a huge pond of graceful fishes, lively fountains and artistic mythical sculptures of Kinnara and Kinnaris. The pond symbolizes Si Thandorn Ocean with 6 'heaven' in the middle of the pond.

1. The small semicircle represents the human world.

2. The large semicircle with demon king's fangs (the mouth of Rahu) embodies passion, craving and desires which we need to get rid before entering the main temple. 
3. The bridge represents the crossing over from the cycle of life to the land of Buddha.
4. Each rail of the bridge has 8 monsters, totaling 16 monsters representing 16 kinds of passion. 

This man with a microphone keeps an eye on visitors and repeat "Keep moving, Keep Moving.. One way, NO turn Back"  (in Thai and English) So get ready to begin a spiritual passage of experiencing a take-over of ones' sensibilities - capable of transcending a preconceived notions to enlightenment (Nirvana).  

First to pass is The sea of Despair - to symbolize hell? Hands outstretched, reaching out to you which seem to be pleading or wanting to esCape from suffering or Wanting to pull you dowN?? Different people have different forms of illusion.  

The bridge are studded with fragments of reflective mirrors

On the roof of the main temple (Phra Ubosot) are finials of four kinds of animals representing earth, water, wind and fire. The elephants stand for earth; the nagas for water; the swans symbolize wind; and the lions represent fire. The duty of these animals is to safeguard Buddhism.

Approaching the main entrance is like a rite of passage that needs to be completed. On the walls and the floor inside the Ubosot are beautiful mural paintings in gold color, representing the release from passion and desire to the world of Dharma.

Paintings are of science fiction, Hollywood themes (superman, matrix, star wars, avatar) and devouring monsters annihilating the world we come from; indicating a planet obsessed with war, jealousy, greed, temptations, pleasures and hedonistic pursuits in the human realm. However, photography is prohibited inside the Ubosot, so no photo to show.

Buddha in meditation on a lotus

Phra Ubosot's exit (back side view of the temple)

Pagodas behind the Ubosot

 Left side view of the temple from the garden compound 

Side by side to the entrance of the temple is a Art Gallery Building which exhibits Chalermchai Kositpipat's master pieces and gift shop whereby visitors can buy paintings, souvenirs and other items. Proceeds go towards the funding of the temple.

Besides the Art Gallery is "The most Beautiful toilet in the world ". A symbol of  human's susceptibility to imagination - impresses people by its beauty but the fact that.....

It's JUST a toilet

Creepy tree hung with demonic heads around the garden compound 

A bottle of whisky on top of a skull

And Predator raising from the ground

If you don't like these scary scenes, head towards the rows of souvenir shops and cafes across the temple. Sure to find something you like, or enjoy a cuppa.

18th October 2005

 7th November 2007

1st February 2012

Wat Rong Khun is still an ongoing project since construction began in 1997. Take a LoOk at its progress over the years ..... 

NOTE:
1. Dress modestly when visiting temple. No below knees attire nor sleeveless top for both men and women. Ladies should not be in their period.

HOW TO GET THERE: WAT RONG KHUN  Open Daily: 8AM-6PM

1. By Your Own

Highway 1 (Phohon Yothin Road) southwest of Chiang Rai. Turn right at Route 1208 juction. Wat Rong Khun is on the left.

2. By Tour

A package tour to Chiang Rai will include a stop over at Wat Rong Khun. Check it out with any travel agent in Chiang Mai. 

Chalermchai Kositpipat stated:

"I want to create Buddhist arts on our land that are so great and splendid that the people around the world want to see them. I will dedicate all my life to this work. Also, I have at least 2 generations to continue it after my death. I estimate that it will take about 60-70 years to complete 9 main buildings."

UPDATE: Tuesday 6 May 2014

National artist Chalermchai Kositpipat said today (May 6) that the temple may be left in ruins as a reminder of its past glory.

The temple, in Chiang Rai City, was hit by the 6.3-Richter quake and two major aftershocks.

Ajarn Chalermchai said that after the quake, he at first thought the temple could be repaired but the two aftershocks smashed it to the point where it was now beyond his capability to restore it.

He said painted murals which had taken him 20 years to create on walls and ceilings had been utterly smashed by the collapse of the buildings.

“It was a masterpiece of art and it cannot be recreated,” he said. “I spent almost 20 years doing it. I am now too old to spend another 20 years on it.

“Everything is finished and I may leave the temple as it is now for the later generations to remember.” Thai PBS

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/