Exploring the Canvas of Myths
Traveling in Thailand for its traditions and culture? There are some places you definitely shouldn’t miss! Many foreigners are familiar with top destinations like the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho, where the beauty is undeniable. But do they know about the secrets hidden within these magnificent temples? Let me show you the mysteries behind them. Let’s check them out together!
Buddhism made its way to Thailand during the Dvaravati era in the 7th century, and it's been a big deal ever since! It’s shaped everything from our culture and traditions to art, folktales, and beliefs. With such a huge impact, it’s no wonder Buddhism became the heart and soul of Thai society, leaving a lasting mark on the minds of Thai people.
Over time, Thais combined their knowledge of various arts and traditions, incorporating both local styles and influences from Eastern and Western cultures, and dedicated their work to Buddhism. As with other religions, they offered the best of what they had at the time to honor their faith, and for Thais, the temple became the centerpiece of devotion. So, if you’re looking to explore Buddhist tales and beliefs, you’ll find a wealth of beautiful traditional Buddhist architecture and captivating stories in Thai temples.
Outside the temples, we could clearly see glamorous architecture, and magnificent sculptures but have you ever taken a look inside and noticed the stories concealed in our mural painting?
To enhance the elegance and historical and aesthetic value of temples, Thai artists who specialized in Buddhist art employed various techniques, with mural painting being one of the most prominent. Mural painting is like visual storytelling. Can you guess what stories are hidden in these fascinating works of art? They depict Buddhist tales as well as ancient Thai traditions, which have been integrated into Buddhist beliefs and rituals.
The stories most commonly found in mural paintings are narratives of the Buddha, such as the Jataka, which recounts the previous lives of the Buddha—there are hundreds of these stories! In addition to the Buddha’s tales, one of the most well-known and captivating narratives in Thai Buddhist art is the Himmapan stories, which are inspired by the Jataka. These tales take place in the mythical Himalayan forest, and we’re excited to share some interesting trivia about them!
According to our Buddhist beliefs, the first mention of the Himalayan forest appears in the Pra Wessandhorn Jataka, which recounts the latest previous lives of the Buddha. This forest is seen as a place for spiritual development, and Thais believe it symbolizes peace and enlightenment.
In contrast to other beliefs, the Himalayan forest is viewed as an afterlife realm, where humans are not permitted to enter. For this reason, to be allowed to access this impressive and peaceful place, the Himalayan forest guides those who are faithful to Buddhism, encouraging them to live according to Buddhist moral standards.
We also believe that the Himalayan forest is a mysterious realm located at the base of Mount Meru, the most significant mountain in Buddhist cosmology, where the gods reside. This enchanted forest is said to contain up to 200 species of magical animals and flora!
When Buddhism was introduced to Thailand, we blended certain characteristics of Thai animals with the imagery of Himalayan wildlife. Some creatures represent wildness and power; for example, we use Singha, the lion-like, to symbolize strength. Conversely, if we want to convey kindness or abundance, we represent these qualities with human-like figures.
Can you imagine how extraordinary these creatures are? Imagine a combination of a dragon and a fish, a human with the body of a bird, or an elephant with 33 heads! Does this remind you of magical animals from mythologies, like Greek myths? If you’re intrigued but need more information, I’ll share some hidden gems for you to explore! Scroll down to discover the Himalayan animals depicted in the mural paintings at the temples of Bangkok’s Old Town!
The first temple I would like to recommend is Wat Pho, where you can find depictions of the Himalayan forest and its remarkable animals. Among them are the beautiful Kinnari-Kinnon, who have the upper body of a human and the lower body of a bird, and the powerful water protector, Maka, which is half fish and half dragon. Another notable figure is Garuda, a massive bird resembling an eagle with a human face.
“DO NOT miss Sang-Plaeng” which is a combination of Singha, and Naga. Sang-Plaeng is one of the rarely seen creatures, created during the era of King Rama III, so it’s definitely worth a visit! Go and take a look—can you find where the mural painting is located?
Another exclusive gem to explore is the stunning Himalayan forest mural painting at Wat Suthat, created during the early Rattanakosin era, over 200 years ago. This mural contains more than 200 varieties of Himalayan animals, making it the most comprehensive and extensive depiction of these creatures in mural art! Can you count them all?
This mural has been painted on the walls for over 200 years without any restoration until 7-8 years ago, when signs of deterioration were noticed, a preservation project was initiated by the Thai people. Not only was the mural itself preserved, but the fresco technique used in the painting was also meticulously maintained. These are just a few reasons why you shouldn’t miss this incredible artwork!
Here are some exclusive trivia about our mural paintings! The concept of the Himalayan forest illustrates how Buddhism has subtly merged with Thai culture. It is a part of our art, beliefs, and way of life. Although the Himalayan forest is imaginary and rooted in Buddha’s tales, Thais incorporate elements from this mythical realm into their everyday lives. For instance, the powerful and revered Himalayan animal, Garuda, serves as a symbol of the kingdom’s seal. You can find it atop government buildings, and many ministries also use characters from the Himalayan forest as their symbols.
If you enjoy exclusive cultural experiences like this, check out our guided tours and self-guided audio tours on our website for more information. Let us take you on a deeper journey!