Symbolism in the Design of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram (Wat Pho)

Abstract

Earlier studies have described the cosmological symbolism in the design of Wat Pho, focusing on Mount Meru and the Tavatimsa Heaven, and argued that this symbolism was largely introduced by the renovation in the Third Reign. This essay adjusts this view in two ways. First, the cosmological symbolism was already present from the construction in the First Reign; the Third Reign renovation strengthened this symbolism, but did not originate it. Second, the symbolism has two layers, present in the same design and architectural elements. The first layer is about Buddhist cosmology, while the second concerns the god Indra. Both layers reflect the philosophy of the new state and dynasty in early Bangkok.