The Grand Palace Bangkok is a prime tourist attraction. The palace was built in about 1782. However the current king does not reside here, but the palace is used for royal functions.
However, in this post I am going to give you the true insight into how I approach history and monuments! If I research the web, I can give you an educated account. But this piece is a good example of how I really write about history. Be warned!
10. Apsaras on the Ground
Our guide Joe was pointing out the similarities between Hindu mythology and the figures depicted in the Grand Palace Complex. So, this was an Apsara (see the picture above) and we who are familiar with Hindu mythology know what it means!
09. Nagas
I can’t exactly remember what convoluted explain was given to me about the nagas. I was told they were like dragon only they could not fly or something like that. I remarked that they look like snakes! And then my guide pointed out that they call them nagas too! of course we understand nagas but he pointed out rightly that the rest of the world didn’t!
08. Giant Yakshas
If you would ask me, the Yakshas are my favorite figures among all that I see in a Thai temples and palaces. They are the protectors of the place, standing tall right at the gates. And even though they look fierce they never really look scary, at least not to me!
07. Murals on the Walls
The walls of the Grand Palace depict grand murals both from Buddhism and Hinduism. If I remember correctly the Hindu murals are related to the Ramayana. Now I wonder why my mind develops a dense fog around historical details!
06. Golden Guards on the Walls of the Emerald Buddha
I know there has to be a mythical story behind these guards. But guess what I liked them for? They make for an excellent spot for photography, whether you want to get clicked or simply click the scene.
05. The Emerald Buddha
The Emerald Buddha is a magnificent site. You can not do photography in the main pavilion. So I took out my zoom and clicked this picture from a distance. The Buddha is wearing his autumn attire in this picture. The clothes are changed according to the season in a royal ceremony.
04. The Shoe of the Giant Yaksha
I said before that I do not found the yakshas scary and I found there shoes positively cute. The color combination of green, blue and yellow looks so beautiful as well.
03. The Grand Structures
The Grand Palace is a collection of beautiful structures. It was quite difficult to get the scale in a single frame even after using a wide angle lens.
02. A Golden Pagoda
There are many golden pagodas within the complex. one of them is particularly huge. The smaller ones are said to contain the ashes of the royal ancestors.
01. The Grand Palace, Bangkok
This is a partial view of the Grand Palace. I think the best view of the whole building is from the Chao Phraya river as it gives a bird eye view of the entire majestic structure.
Now that you have slogged through the post, you can see why I do not readily write about monuments. I somehow gloss over all the details and remember only a small bit of everything I saw. Now give me a trek and I would remember everything! But even through my muddle account, you will have agree that it is a beautiful place!
Beautiful pictures.. .and the Thais also seem to be in love with Gold and golden color…. BTW our guide in Bangkok had 2 names one for tourists and a real traditional name and she was fasting on Monday for a good husband and the upawas was called Gauri upwas !!!
Our guide also had two names, one his real one and the other easy to pronounce for tourists. Never knew they also fast for good husbands!
Great pics! But how could I share on social network? No share button 🙁
Thank you for pointing it out Ravi, I will get this sorted.
Loved this post . It brought back the memories of my whirlwind trip to the Grand palace last year . I say so because when we reached the palace our guide told us that there were riots in the area and we had to move fast before things got worse . I did`nt want to miss seeing everything so gave up trying to take pictures ( which I struggle anyways ) . So seeing these pictures brought back those memories .
Incidentally our guide was called Ratha and when we asked him the meaning of his name he promptly told us it meant chariot !
Yes last year things were not so good I guess. So much in common we have with Thailand!
As usual beautiful post !
Thank you Mahesh, 😀
Looks so gorgeous. Lovely creations.
Thank you Niranjan.
Beautiful pictures, Thai Ramakian (Ramayana) influence is seen all over. I really like the way your post content and pictures flow Mridula.
Thank you so much Shweta. But I do struggle with history/culture posts!
Awesome! It’s just awesome Mridula! I just love your photography… The information you shared is also very interesting. I had read that Ramayana story has been a part of almost all the Asian countries including Japan and Russia but with some changes here and there… Our Lord Ganesha temples are seen in most of the far eastern countries it seems. You made me recall these facts 🙂
TC! Keep smiling 🙂
Thank you so much Sindhu for your comment. I have seen Ramayana in Cambodia too 😀
Beautiful captures. I am reminded of my trip.
I too love yakshas …. they are cute 🙂
Nice pictures and thai’s are really fond of gold and animals when it comes to temples and palaces 🙂