UNESCO, Kamphaeng Phet Hiistorical Park: Arunyik |
Aranyik is located about 1 km outside the town walls. It was the shelter of the forest monks who seek the Dharma, by Vipassana more than study from the Holy Scriptures. Accommodation located in remote areas, a quiet place to practice.
In this area there are many historic
and architectural value and interest.
Viharn and Main Chedi, Wat Phra Non |
Aranyik
Wat Phra Non
Wat Phra Non
It is located on the first left-hand
side on the road entering the park; ubosot is in front of viharn of the Reclining Buddha with the bell
tower chedi as the president of the temple located at the back of viharn.
Highlight
is the viharn of the Reclining Buddha consists of a large laterite poles along
the beam line on the top and the roof structure
made of wood. Inside is the location of reclining Buddha which is at present only brick base remains.
The studies have found that in those days, they did not do windows. They built light outlet instead. The walls of the building, covered with white plaster decorated by stucco in leaf or flower patterns.
Wat
Pra Si Iriyabot. See photo gallery by clicking on the photo.
Phra Si Iriyabot Standing |
Phra Si Iriyabot Walking |
To develop the mind of the Buddhists, they have to practice in the major postures cover standing, walking, sitting and reclining.
Buddha
in sitting posture can be found at most of temples throughout Thailand, but
visitors can admire the beauty of the Buddha in four postures at Wat Pra Si
Iriyabot as a result of the dedicated creativity served for religion. It
represents that every moment of life we can do for mindfulness, the wise way
for out of suffering in Buddhism.
Behind
the viharn, is the addressing of Pra Si Iriyabot, it is the creation of the
four Buddhas; standing, walking, sitting and reclining, facing out the four
directions, located under the roof of the building where is not appeared at
present.
What we see today
Standing
Buddha is in almost perfect condition and left elbow is missing.
Walking
Buddha can be seen only the bottom part shows the way he walking gently.
Sitting
and reclining Buddha remain brick bases only.
Visitors
could find Pra Si Iriyabot at Wat Phra Phai Luang in Sukhothai Historical
Park outside the city as well.
Main Chedi, Wat Chang Rop |
Wat
Chang Rop
Wat Chang Rop is shared the same meaning with
Wat Chang Lom. They mean the temple that surrounded by the elephants.
Temple
is located on a hill in Aranyik. The unique architecture is a large bell-shaped
chedi. The base is decorated with 68 statues of elephants that have worn the
ornaments on the necks and legs gracefully. Elephant sculptures here are the
creative FINEST. Even in the Sukhothai
Historical Park, elephant sculptures there are smaller and less spectacular,
such as at Wat Chang Lom and Wat Sorasak.
One of the Stair to the Terrace |
Elephants with Ornaments |
The pinnacle of the main chedi was collapsed, however visitors can walk up the
stairs to the terrace. You will have a spectacular view from the old town in
Kamphaeng Phet that cannot be seen anywhere else.
Originally,
the outer wall of the main chedi decorated with stucco, described history of
the Buddha, and illustrated sculpture of devas, mythical birds and swans. There
were statues of singhas and tiny chedis around the main chedi. And large
laterite pool in front of the viharn.