Page 18 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Phuket

16 ❯❯ Top 10 Phuket Highlights

Wat Chalong

Historical records are unclear, but Wat Chalong was probably first
built during the reign of King Rama II (r.1809–24). However, the
temple has undergone many renovations since it was first erected.
The complex features sacred imagery, including sculptures and
murals of the Buddha’s life. The holiest object is a bone fragment of
the Buddha, now set in the Grand Pagoda. The temple is called Wat
Chaitararam by royal decree, but everyone knows it as Wat Chalong.

Temple
Architecture
Fortune
1 2 4
History
Telling
The temple’s
colorful, multitiered Fortune tellers sit inside During an uprising of
sloping roofs (above), the temple’s main hall. Chinese tin workers in
ornate exterior, and inte­ They shake two cans the late 19th century,
rior decorations are very of numbered bamboo many local Thais fled to
picturesque. The Grand sticks until one falls out. Wat Chalong for protec­
Pagoda’s towering spire The number corresponds tion. The temple’s then
and glitter ing win dow to a paper slip inside a abbot, Luang Pho Chaem,
frames are among its wooden cabinet. Take it provided shelter to the
other visual high lights. and ask for a translation. people and was later
honoured for this by King
Merit-Making
3 Rama V (r.1868–1910).
Thai Buddhists
Firecrackers
visit temples and pay 5
respect to the Buddha, Devotees burst
and other spiritual firecrackers in thanks for
leaders, to accumulate answered prayers. The
merit, in the belief that fireworks pop inside a
such deeds will benefit beehive­shaped structure
one’s position in this life located outside, near the
and future lives (left). sermon hall.
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