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It is an awesome feeling to stand before this Buddha image that reaches to the sky at 32 metres tall.
During the reign of King Rama I he suppressed a rebellion in Laos and brought members of the Lao royal family to settle in this area. One of these was Chao Inthawong, who was a devout Buddhist, helped to restore the local temple which is now Wat Intharawihan.
In 1867, Somdej Phra Buddhachan started the construction of this giant Buddha called Luang Pho To, logs and structural steel were used as alternate abutments. After his death in 1872 construction continued until completion in 1927. This spanned the reigns of King Rama IV to King Rama VII.
Luang Pho To stands 32 metres tall and is 11 metres wide. As it faces east, it is best photographed in morning light.
On two occasions, in 1964 and 1967, Their Majesties The King, The Queen and their children covered this statue of Buddha at the Topknot and forehead with gold leaves.
The Topknot contains relics of The Lord Buddha which were donated by the Government of Sri Lanka and placed there in 1978 by H.R.H The Crown Prince Vachiralongkorn.
For Bangkoks Bi-Centennial Celebrations in 1982, the then Abbot, Phra Khru Woraphattikhun carried out restoration including decoration with 24 K golden mosaics from Italy.
Devotees believe that Luang Pho To can bless everyone with success, particularly if they present the head of a mackerel fish, a boiled egg and a lei of flowers.
THINGS TO KNOW:
Address: 114 Kasat Road
Tel: 0 2628 5550-2
Fax: 0 2282 8429
To get there : located on Kasat Rd. not far from the intersection of Samsen Rd.
By boat: get off at Tha Thewes and away from the river.
Bus routes 10, 49
Open: 08.30-20.00 daily
Admission: free
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
Bank of Thailand Museum, National Library
