Wat Phra Kaew, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok
Considered the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew is situated within the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin district.
The temple, known officially as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, houses the Emerald Buddha. This highly revered Buddha image was carved from a single block of jade, and is widely called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
No person is allowed to get close to the Emerald Buddha, except for H.M. the King. 3 times a year, in an important changing of the robes ritual performed by the Thai monarch, a seasonal cloak on the Emerald Buddha is changed corresponding to the summer, winter and rainy seasons. The ritual seeks to bring the Kingdom of Thailand good fortune in each season.
