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Wat Pathum Wanaram temple in Bangkok

Wat Pathum Wanaram
Pathum Wan area or what the locals normally called ‘Siam’ is no doubt, a centre of Bangkok, capital city of Thailand. This area is full of shopping malls, tourist attraction and restaurants. This is a happening area, where fast trends merge perfectly with cultures. It beautifully represents the authentic taste and civilization of Thailand. However, like Yin and Yang, darkness and brightness, the Sun and moon, everything needs a balance point. If Siam Paragon and MBK are symbols of Bangkok’s vibrant atmosphere, then ‘Wat Pathum’ is a true symbol of peace.
Wat Pathum is the ultimate spiritual practice in the heart of Bangkok.
Wat Pathum is a fantastic choice if you want to rest and enjoy yourself during a busy day. It is a place where you can escape reality and reconnect with nature. If you still can’t see what kind of place it is, please close your eyes. Can you hear birds chirping? The sounds of leaves moving? Now open your eyes look around at these green spaces. In the temple, there is a park ‘Suan Pah’ where you can go for a walk and learn some philosophy and ethics at the same time. Meditating classes are also available on site as well. During important days on Buddhism calendar, this is also a place that unites the Thais together. The schools and companies nearby often come to this temple to do religious activities.
Surrounding by the crowd of world-class shopping malls, waves of people and boiling weather, the most special thing about this temple is that you will forget about them the moment you step in. Whether you are a Buddhist or not, this temple will you for sure! Make sure to make time on your visit and check Wat Pathum out, the other side of Bangkok life.
Wat Pathum's name derives from the fact that the area where the temple is located used to have a lot of lotuses -- pathum means lotus. These days the aquatic plants are nowhere to be seen since the ponds have been filled up. But the flowers can still be found in abundance in mural paintings and various architectural elements within the temple's ubosot (ordination hall) and vihan (prayer hall).
With a mini forest in its inner part that appears as a rare oasis of peace, Wat Pathum is a great place to practise meditation. But unless you already have some training, it's wise to begin with mass prayers -- an easy way to meditate. Every year on the night of Dec 31, the temple holds such a session for people wishing to welcome the new year in a solemn fashion.
Next time you pass Wat Pathum, don't forget to drop by to check out its true beauty with your own eyes.