Temples of Thailand
In Thailand Buddhist temples, also known as Wat, are located in temple compounds which consists of many other building besides the temple itself. All building within the temple compound have different architecture, function and importance. One of the very well known temples is Thailand temple Wat Mahatma. The temples, built in the previous century, have a contemporary style. However, when visiting the various wats across Thailand, the architecture of each wat will be different as it would be related to the historical period when the temple compound was built.
To an ordinary tourist, the structures within a temple compound may all look the same. In fact, this is not true. Just a little bit of information will help you name and locate different parts within a temple compound.
Some of the important structures within a temple compound are:
Bot or ordination hall
Viharn or sermon hall
Chedi (stupa, pagoda) with relics of the Buddha
Prang
Sala or open-sided pavilion
Mondop
Ho Trai or library
Sima or boundary stone
Naga
Chofah
Kuti or monk quarters |