The Buddhist temple architecture in Thailand has undergone many changes in the course of history. The layout and the designs have witnessed prominent changes but the temple architecture still adheres to the same principles as before. This article discusses some of the basic features of Thai temple architecture.
Phutthawat and Sanghawat
Phutthawat is the area of the temple that is dedicated to Lord Buddha. This part consists of several structures. The Chedi or the Stupa is a bell shaped tower and is usually covered with a gold leaf. The orientation hall, the most sacred part of the temple is called Ubosot or Bot by the Thai people. Mandap is the temple shrine and the architecture of this part is seen in some other buildings of Thailand as well. Other parts of the Phutthawat include the Wihan, Prang, Ho trai, Sala, Sala kan prian, Ho rakang and Phra rabieng.
Sanghawat is the place where the monks stay and is also a part of the temple compound. The Sanghawat consists of the Kuti which is a small structure specifically designed for the stay of a monk. The kitchen and sanitary buildings are also included within the Sanghawat.
Temple features
It is interesting to know about the roof forms of the Thai temples. Multiple roof tiers are used in the roofs of temples, public buildings and palaces of Thailand. Mostly two or three tiers are used but sometimes four tiers are also seen in some royal buildings. The use of multiple tiers does not enhance the functional aspect but add to the aesthetic value of the temple structure. The lower tier is made the largest with a smaller middle tier and smallest roof tier is on the top. This pattern is followed in the roof tiers to lighten the appearance of the massive roofs. There are multiple breaks on each of the roofs for example, a double tiered roof has about two to four breaks. A dynamic rhythm is created in the roof architecture through the tier patterns, breaks and other designs. The temples in the Northern part of Thailand have larger roofs that run towards the ground covering a major portion of the temple walls.
Roof finials
More decorations are usually found near the bargeboard, that is, the thin panel towards the end of the roof. The structure is known as the lamyong. The lamyong is sculpted in an undulating manner having a peculiar shape. There is a blade like projection in this part called bai-raka and the lower finial is known as the hang hong which is in the shape of a naga’s head.
The Buddhist and Hindu culture merged in Thailand in the 10th century, from when Hindu elements were included in Thai architecture. Some popular examples of this blend of culture include the four armed image of Vishnu called Garuda and the eight armed figure of Shiva in Thailand.
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