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Lankatilaka was built by King Parakramabahu the Great (1123 - 1186).<br/><br/> Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country under a national leader.
Angkor Wat was built for King Suryavarman II (ruled 1113-50) in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the Angkor site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. It is the world's largest religious building. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.<br/><br/> Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried temple, based on early South Indian Hindu architecture. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers.
Construction of the Shwezigon Pagoda began during the reign of King Anawratha (r. 1044 -1077) and was completed during the reign of King Kyanzittha, in 1102.<br/><br/> Bagan, formerly Pagan, was mainly built between the 11th century and 13th century. Formally titled Arimaddanapura or Arimaddana (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) or Tassadessa (the Parched Land), it was the capital of several ancient kingdoms in Burma.
The main feature of Bangkok's Wat Intharawihan is the 32-metre high standing Buddha called either Luang Pho To or Phrasiariyametri. It took over 60 years to complete and is decorated in glass mosaics and 24-carat gold. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. The temple was built at the beginning of the Ayutthaya period.
Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country under a national leader.
Lankatilaka was built by King Parakramabahu the Great (1123 - 1186).<br/><br/> Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country under a national leader.
Perhaps the highest revered temple in Bagan, the Ananda Pagoda was built in 1105 CE during the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084–1113) of the Bagan Dynasty. It is one of four surviving original temples of Bagan (also called Pagan). The temple layout is in a cruciform with several terraces leading to a small pagoda at the top covered by an umbrella (‘hti’).<br/><br/> The Buddhist temple houses four standing Buddhas—facing east, north, west and south. The temple is said to be an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian styles of architecture.<br/><br/> It was damaged in the earthquake of 1975. However, it has been fully restored and is well maintained by frequent painting and whitewashing of the walls. On the occasion of the 900th anniversary of its construction celebrated in 1990 the temple spires were gilded.<br/><br/> Bagan, formerly Pagan, was mainly built between the 11th century and 13th century. Formally titled Arimaddanapura or Arimaddana (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) or Tassadessa (the Parched Land), it was the capital of several ancient kingdoms in Burma.
Perhaps the highest revered temple in Bagan, the Ananda Pagoda was built in 1105 CE during the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084–1113) of the Bagan Dynasty. It is one of four surviving original temples of Bagan (also called Pagan). The temple layout is in a cruciform with several terraces leading to a small pagoda at the top covered by an umbrella (‘hti’).<br/><br/> The Buddhist temple houses four standing Buddhas—facing east, north, west and south. The temple is said to be an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian styles of architecture.<br/><br/> It was damaged in the earthquake of 1975. However, it has been fully restored and is well maintained by frequent painting and whitewashing of the walls. On the occasion of the 900th anniversary of its construction celebrated in 1990 the temple spires were gilded.<br/><br/> Bagan, formerly Pagan, was mainly built between the 11th century and 13th century. Formally titled Arimaddanapura or Arimaddana (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) or Tassadessa (the Parched Land), it was the capital of several ancient kingdoms in Burma.
Perhaps the highest revered temple in Bagan, the Ananda Pagoda was built in 1105 CE during the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084–1113) of the Bagan Dynasty. It is one of four surviving original temples of Bagan (also called Pagan). The temple layout is in a cruciform with several terraces leading to a small pagoda at the top covered by an umbrella (‘hti’).<br/><br/> The Buddhist temple houses four standing Buddhas—facing east, north, west and south. The temple is said to be an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian styles of architecture.<br/><br/> It was damaged in the earthquake of 1975. However, it has been fully restored and is well maintained by frequent painting and whitewashing of the walls. On the occasion of the 900th anniversary of its construction celebrated in 1990 the temple spires were gilded.<br/><br/> Bagan, formerly Pagan, was mainly built between the 11th century and 13th century. Formally titled Arimaddanapura or Arimaddana (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) or Tassadessa (the Parched Land), it was the capital of several ancient kingdoms in Burma.
Perhaps the highest revered temple in Bagan, the Ananda Pagoda was built in 1105 CE during the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084–1113) of the Bagan Dynasty. It is one of four surviving original temples of Bagan (also called Pagan). The temple layout is in a cruciform with several terraces leading to a small pagoda at the top covered by an umbrella (‘hti’).<br/><br/> The Buddhist temple houses four standing Buddhas—facing east, north, west and south. The temple is said to be an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian styles of architecture.<br/><br/> It was damaged in the earthquake of 1975. However, it has been fully restored and is well maintained by frequent painting and whitewashing of the walls. On the occasion of the 900th anniversary of its construction celebrated in 1990 the temple spires were gilded.<br/><br/> Bagan, formerly Pagan, was mainly built between the 11th century and 13th century. Formally titled Arimaddanapura or Arimaddana (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) or Tassadessa (the Parched Land), it was the capital of several ancient kingdoms in Burma.
Perhaps the highest revered temple in Bagan, the Ananda Pagoda was built in 1105 CE during the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084–1113) of the Bagan Dynasty. It is one of four surviving original temples of Bagan (also called Pagan). The temple layout is in a cruciform with several terraces leading to a small pagoda at the top covered by an umbrella (‘hti’).<br/><br/> The Buddhist temple houses four standing Buddhas—facing east, north, west and south. The temple is said to be an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian styles of architecture.<br/><br/> It was damaged in the earthquake of 1975. However, it has been fully restored and is well maintained by frequent painting and whitewashing of the walls. On the occasion of the 900th anniversary of its construction celebrated in 1990 the temple spires were gilded.<br/><br/> Bagan, formerly Pagan, was mainly built between the 11th century and 13th century. Formally titled Arimaddanapura or Arimaddana (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) or Tassadessa (the Parched Land), it was the capital of several ancient kingdoms in Burma.
Perhaps the highest revered temple in Bagan, the Ananda Pagoda was built in 1105 CE during the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084–1113) of the Bagan Dynasty. It is one of four surviving original temples of Bagan (also called Pagan). The temple layout is in a cruciform with several terraces leading to a small pagoda at the top covered by an umbrella (‘hti’).<br/><br/> The Buddhist temple houses four standing Buddhas—facing east, north, west and south. The temple is said to be an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian styles of architecture.<br/><br/> It was damaged in the earthquake of 1975. However, it has been fully restored and is well maintained by frequent painting and whitewashing of the walls. On the occasion of the 900th anniversary of its construction celebrated in 1990 the temple spires were gilded.<br/><br/> Bagan, formerly Pagan, was mainly built between the 11th century and 13th century. Formally titled Arimaddanapura or Arimaddana (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) or Tassadessa (the Parched Land), it was the capital of several ancient kingdoms in Burma.
Perhaps the highest revered temple in Bagan, the Ananda Pagoda was built in 1105 CE during the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084–1113) of the Bagan Dynasty. It is one of four surviving original temples of Bagan (also called Pagan). The temple layout is in a cruciform with several terraces leading to a small pagoda at the top covered by an umbrella (‘hti’).<br/><br/> The Buddhist temple houses four standing Buddhas—facing east, north, west and south. The temple is said to be an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian styles of architecture.<br/><br/> It was damaged in the earthquake of 1975. However, it has been fully restored and is well maintained by frequent painting and whitewashing of the walls. On the occasion of the 900th anniversary of its construction celebrated in 1990 the temple spires were gilded.<br/><br/> Bagan, formerly Pagan, was mainly built between the 11th century and 13th century. Formally titled Arimaddanapura or Arimaddana (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) or Tassadessa (the Parched Land), it was the capital of several ancient kingdoms in Burma.
The main feature of Bangkok's Wat Intharawihan is the 32-metre high standing Buddha called either Luang Pho To or Phrasiariyametri. It took over 60 years to complete and is decorated in glass mosaics and 24-carat gold. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. The temple was built at the beginning of the Ayutthaya period.
Wat Phan Tao, established in 1391, forms a kind of adjunct to the much larger Wat Chedi Luang lying next door and immediately to the south. Wat Phan Tao means ‘Temple of a Thousand Furnaces’ or ‘Temple of a Thousand Kilns’ and it is believed that the grounds were once the site of a foundry, casting bronze images of the Buddha for nearby Wat Chedi Luang.<br/><br/> The wooden viharn is one of the few surviving all-wood temple buildings in Chiang Mai. In times past it was a secular structure of no religious significance, the ho kham or ‘gilded hall’ of Chao Mahawong, the 5th of the Chao Chet Ton monarchs, who ruled Chiang Mai and the north from 1846 to 1854.<br/><br/> Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city'), sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom.
Angkor Wat was built for King Suryavarman II (ruled 1113-50) in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the Angkor site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. It is the world's largest religious building. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.<br/><br/> Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried temple, based on early South Indian Hindu architecture. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers.
Angkor Wat was built for King Suryavarman II (ruled 1113-50) in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the Angkor site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. It is the world's largest religious building. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.<br/><br/> Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried temple, based on early South Indian Hindu architecture. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers.
Angkor Wat was built for King Suryavarman II (ruled 1113-50) in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the Angkor site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. It is the world's largest religious building. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.<br/><br/> Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried temple, based on early South Indian Hindu architecture. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers.
Wat Sene (One Hundred Thousand Temple), also known as Wat Sensoukaram or Sensoukharam, was built in 1714. The name refers to the value of the donation with which it was constructed. This temple is different in style from most others in Luang Prabang, and can be identified as central Thai in style. The sim (ordination hall) was originally constructed in 1718 but was restored twice in the 20th century.<br/><br/> Luang Prabang was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wat Sene (One Hundred Thousand Temple), also known as Wat Sensoukaram or Sensoukharam, was built in 1714. The name refers to the value of the donation with which it was constructed. This temple is different in style from most others in Luang Prabang, and can be identified as central Thai in style. The sim (ordination hall) was originally constructed in 1718 but was restored twice in the 20th century.<br/><br/> Luang Prabang was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wat Sene (One Hundred Thousand Temple), also known as Wat Sensoukaram or Sensoukharam, was built in 1714. The name refers to the value of the donation with which it was constructed. This temple is different in style from most others in Luang Prabang, and can be identified as central Thai in style. The sim (ordination hall) was originally constructed in 1718 but was restored twice in the 20th century.<br/><br/> Luang Prabang was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wat Sene (One Hundred Thousand Temple), also known as Wat Sensoukaram or Sensoukharam, was built in 1714. The name refers to the value of the donation with which it was constructed. This temple is different in style from most others in Luang Prabang, and can be identified as central Thai in style. The sim (ordination hall) was originally constructed in 1718 but was restored twice in the 20th century.<br/><br/> Luang Prabang was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wat Sene (One Hundred Thousand Temple), also known as Wat Sensoukaram or Sensoukharam, was built in 1714. The name refers to the value of the donation with which it was constructed. This temple is different in style from most others in Luang Prabang, and can be identified as central Thai in style. The sim (ordination hall) was originally constructed in 1718 but was restored twice in the 20th century.<br/><br/> Luang Prabang was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wat Sene (One Hundred Thousand Temple), also known as Wat Sensoukaram or Sensoukharam, was built in 1714. The name refers to the value of the donation with which it was constructed. This temple is different in style from most others in Luang Prabang, and can be identified as central Thai in style. The sim (ordination hall) was originally constructed in 1718 but was restored twice in the 20th century.<br/><br/> Luang Prabang was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wat Sene (One Hundred Thousand Temple), also known as Wat Sensoukaram or Sensoukharam, was built in 1714. The name refers to the value of the donation with which it was constructed. This temple is different in style from most others in Luang Prabang, and can be identified as central Thai in style. The sim (ordination hall) was originally constructed in 1718 but was restored twice in the 20th century.<br/><br/> Luang Prabang was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Phrae town was built next to the Yom River in the 12th century and was part of the Mon kingdom of Haripunchai. In 1443, King Tilokaraj of the neighbouring Lanna kingdom captured the town.
Phrae town was built next to the Yom River in the 12th century and was part of the Mon kingdom of Haripunchai. In 1443, King Tilokaraj of the neighbouring Lanna kingdom captured the town.
King Mangrai (1239-1311) was the 25th King of Ngoen Yang (r.1261-1296) and the first King of Chiang Mai (r.1296-1311), capital of the Lanna Kingdom (1296-1558). Wat Phra Singh or to give it its full name, Wat Phra Singh Woramahaviharn, was first constructed around 1345 by King Phayu, 5th king of the Mangrai Dynasty.
Wat Prasat (วัดปราสาท) dates back at least as far as the 16th century CE, and is probably still older.<br/><br/> The most important building in the temple complex is the old viharn, which dates from 1823 but was tastefully renovated in 1987. Built in traditional and distinctively Lan Na style, the viharn is built of skillfully-crafted teak wood panels on a whitewashed brick and stucco base. The main entrance, which naturally faces east, is reached by a low flight of steps flanked by naga balustrades. <br/><br/> The interior of the temple is elegantly understated, with tall teak pillars supporting a low-slung, tiled Lan Na roof. Unusually, at the western end of the building where the altar would usually be, there is instead an elaborately decorated entrance to the short ‘tunnel’ leading to the contiguous chedi, the latter housing a large gilded Buddha image that is only partly visible from the viharn due to its size. <br/><br/> A number of Buddha images sitting on raised pedestals flank the entrance to the tunnel. All but one are of stucco, but the image closest to the tunnel entrance, on the right hand pedestal, is of cast bronze and dates from 1590 during the reign of King Nawrathaminsaw (r. 1578-1607), the first Burmese ruler of Chiang Mai.<br/><br/> King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning "new city") in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai sometimes written as "Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
Siddhārtha Gautama (Sanskrit: सिद्धार्थ गौतम; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual teacher from ancient India who founded Buddhism. In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha (P. sammāsambuddha, S. samyaksaṃbuddha) of our age, 'Buddha' meaning 'awakened one' or 'enlightened one'.<br/><br/> The time of his birth and death are uncertain: most early 20th-century historians dated his lifetime as c. 563 BCE to 483 BCE, but more recent opinion dates his death to between 486 and 483 BCE or, according to some, between 411 and 400 BCE. By tradition, Gautama is said to have been born in the small state of Kapilavastu, in what is now Nepal, and later to have taught primarily throughout regions of eastern India such as Magadha and Kośala.<br/><br/> Gautama, also known as Śākyamuni ('Sage of the Śākyas'), is the primary figure in Buddhism, and accounts of his life, discourses, and monastic rules are believed by Buddhists to have been summarized after his death and memorized by his followers. Various collections of teachings attributed to him were passed down by oral tradition, and first committed to writing about 400 years later.<br/><br/> He is also regarded as a god or prophet in other world religions or denominations, including Hinduism, Ahmadiyya Islam, and the Bahá'í faith.
The Khmer sanctuary of Prasat Meuang Phanomwan was built during the 10th and 11th centuries and was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.<br/><br/> Prasat Phanom Wan is situated between Khorat and Phimai and although not as impressive as Prasat Hin Phimai it’s still a very good Khmer site. The earliest inscription found here dates to 891AD which coincides with the reign of Yasovarman. Further parts of the temple were added during the reign Suryavarman I in the 11th century. Many of the original lintels found here have been moved to the excellent museum at Phimai and also the National Museum in Bangkok. Phanom Wan was originally dedicated to Shiva, although there are now plenty of Buddha images in situ that would show that it became a Buddhist shrine. What sets the site apart from most of the other Khmer temples in Northeast Thailand is that it is attached to a living temple.
Gal Vihara, a Buddhist rock temple, was constructed in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu I (1123 - 1186).<br/><br/> Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country under a national leader.
Kandy is Sri Lanka's second biggest city with a population of around 170,000 and is the cultural centre of the whole island. For about two centuries (until 1815) it was the capital of Sri Lanka.
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park in central Thailand was once part of the Sukhothai Kingdom that flourished in the 13th and 14th century CE. The Sukhothai Kingdom was the first of the Thai kingdoms.<br/><br/> Sukhothai, which literally means 'Dawn of Happiness', was the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom and was founded in 1238. It was the capital of the Thai Empire for approximately 140 years.
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park in central Thailand was once part of the Sukhothai Kingdom that flourished in the 13th and 14th century CE. The Sukhothai Kingdom was the first of the Thai kingdoms.<br/><br/> Sukhothai, which literally means 'Dawn of Happiness', was the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom and was founded in 1238. It was the capital of the Thai Empire for approximately 140 years.
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park in central Thailand was once part of the Sukhothai Kingdom that flourished in the 13th and 14th century CE. The Sukhothai Kingdom was the first of the Thai kingdoms.<br/><br/> Sukhothai, which literally means 'Dawn of Happiness', was the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom and was founded in 1238. It was the capital of the Thai Empire for approximately 140 years.
The Buddhas of Bamiyan were two 6th century monumental statues of standing buddhas carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamiyan valley in the Hazarajat region of central Afghanistan, situated 230 km (143 miles) northwest of Kabul at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,202 ft).<br/><br/> Built in 507 CE, the larger in 554 CE, the statues represented the classic blended style of Gandhara art. The main bodies were hewn directly from the sandstone cliffs, but details were modeled in mud mixed with straw, coated with stucco. This coating, practically all of which was worn away long ago, was painted to enhance the expressions of the faces, hands and folds of the robes; the larger one was painted carmine red and the smaller one was painted multiple colors.<br/><br/> The lower parts of the statues' arms were constructed from the same mud-straw mix while supported on wooden armatures. It is believed that the upper parts of their faces were made from great wooden masks or casts. The rows of holes that can be seen in photographs were spaces that held wooden pegs which served to stabilize the outer stucco.<br/><br/> They were intentionally dynamited and destroyed in 2001 by the Taliban, on orders from leader Mullah Mohammed Omar, after the Taliban government declared that they were ‘idols’. International opinion strongly condemned the destruction of the Buddhas, which was viewed as an example of the intolerance of the Taliban. Japan and Switzerland, among others, have pledged support for the rebuilding of the statues.
The Buddhas of Bamiyan were two 6th century monumental statues of standing buddhas carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamiyan valley in the Hazarajat region of central Afghanistan, situated 230 km (143 miles) northwest of Kabul at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,202 ft).<br/><br/> Built in 507 CE, the larger in 554 CE, the statues represented the classic blended style of Gandhara art. The main bodies were hewn directly from the sandstone cliffs, but details were modeled in mud mixed with straw, coated with stucco. This coating, practically all of which was worn away long ago, was painted to enhance the expressions of the faces, hands and folds of the robes; the larger one was painted carmine red and the smaller one was painted multiple colors.<br/><br/> The lower parts of the statues' arms were constructed from the same mud-straw mix while supported on wooden armatures. It is believed that the upper parts of their faces were made from great wooden masks or casts. The rows of holes that can be seen in photographs were spaces that held wooden pegs which served to stabilize the outer stucco.<br/><br/> They were intentionally dynamited and destroyed in 2001 by the Taliban, on orders from leader Mullah Mohammed Omar, after the Taliban government declared that they were ‘idols’. International opinion strongly condemned the destruction of the Buddhas, which was viewed as an example of the intolerance of the Taliban. Japan and Switzerland, among others, have pledged support for the rebuilding of the statues.
Wat Sri Chum (Si Chum) dates from the 16th century. Phrae was built next to the Yom River in the 12th century and was part of the Mon kingdom of Haripunchai. In 1443, King Tilokaraj of the neighbouring Lanna kingdom captured the town.
Sukhothai, which literally means 'Dawn of Happiness', was the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom and was founded in 1238. It was the capital of the Thai Empire for approximately 140 years.
Perhaps the highest revered temple in Bagan, the Ananda Pagoda was built in 1105 CE during the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084–1113) of the Bagan Dynasty. It is one of four surviving original temples of Bagan (also called Pagan). The temple layout is in a cruciform with several terraces leading to a small pagoda at the top covered by an umbrella (‘hti’).<br/><br/> The Buddhist temple houses four standing Buddhas—facing east, north, west and south. The temple is said to be an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian styles of architecture.<br/><br/> It was damaged in the earthquake of 1975. However, it has been fully restored and is well maintained by frequent painting and whitewashing of the walls. On the occasion of the 900th anniversary of its construction celebrated in 1990 the temple spires were gilded.<br/><br/> Bagan, formerly Pagan, was mainly built between the 11th century and 13th century. Formally titled Arimaddanapura or Arimaddana (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) or Tassadessa (the Parched Land), it was the capital of several ancient kingdoms in Burma.
Perhaps the highest revered temple in Bagan, the Ananda Pagoda was built in 1105 CE during the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084–1113) of the Bagan Dynasty. It is one of four surviving original temples of Bagan (also called Pagan). The temple layout is in a cruciform with several terraces leading to a small pagoda at the top covered by an umbrella (‘hti’).<br/><br/> The Buddhist temple houses four standing Buddhas—facing east, north, west and south. The temple is said to be an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian styles of architecture.<br/><br/> It was damaged in the earthquake of 1975. However, it has been fully restored and is well maintained by frequent painting and whitewashing of the walls. On the occasion of the 900th anniversary of its construction celebrated in 1990 the temple spires were gilded.<br/><br/> Bagan, formerly Pagan, was mainly built between the 11th century and 13th century. Formally titled Arimaddanapura or Arimaddana (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) or Tassadessa (the Parched Land), it was the capital of several ancient kingdoms in Burma.
Maijishan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang).<br/><br/> Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-81) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.<br/><br/> At their height, the Maijishan caves are believed to have numbered almost 800, but they suffered serious damage during an earthquake in 734. This event, combined with the exigencies of time, has reduced the number of extant caves to 194.<br/><br/> The existing rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals.<br/><br/> Maiji Shan translates literally as 'Wheatstack Mountain'.
Gal Vihara, a Buddhist rock temple, was constructed in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu I (1123 - 1186).<br/><br/> Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country under a national leader.
Sukhothai, which literally means 'Dawn of Happiness', was the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom and was founded in 1238. It was the capital of the Thai Empire for approximately 140 years.
Sukhothai, which literally means 'Dawn of Happiness', was the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom and was founded in 1238. It was the capital of the Thai Empire for approximately 140 years.
The Buddhist temple of Wat Phra Thong, the ‘Temple of the Golden Buddha’ can be found in the Thalang District of Phuket Island. This unusual temple is named for the golden (or gilded) Buddha image that is buried within the temple precincts so that only the head and shoulders are visible above ground.<br/><br/> According to legend, a local buffalo boy attempted to tether one of his charges to an outcrop he thought was a tree stump, but which proved to be the ushnisha or top-knot of a buried Buddha image. For this – albeit unintentional – heresy, both the boy and the buffalo died. It was later revealed to the boy’s father in a dream that his son had in fact been transported to nirvana rather than being punished, and when the local lord heard this story he ordered the image dug up and suitably installed in a temple.<br/><br/> However, despite the Thalang villagers’ best efforts, the image could not be fully excavated, and remained buried from the shoulders down. Consequently a roof was erected to shelter the exposed head and shoulders, making the image and surrounding temple a place of great veneration for both local Thais and Chinese migrants.<br/><br/> Today the temple is among the most venerated of Buddhist sites not just in Phuket, but in all southern Thailand.
The Buddhist temple of Wat Phra Thong, the ‘Temple of the Golden Buddha’ can be found in the Thalang District of Phuket Island. This unusual temple is named for the golden (or gilded) Buddha image that is buried within the temple precincts so that only the head and shoulders are visible above ground.<br/><br/> According to legend, a local buffalo boy attempted to tether one of his charges to an outcrop he thought was a tree stump, but which proved to be the ushnisha or top-knot of a buried Buddha image. For this – albeit unintentional – heresy, both the boy and the buffalo died. It was later revealed to the boy’s father in a dream that his son had in fact been transported to nirvana rather than being punished, and when the local lord heard this story he ordered the image dug up and suitably installed in a temple.<br/><br/> However, despite the Thalang villagers’ best efforts, the image could not be fully excavated, and remained buried from the shoulders down. Consequently a roof was erected to shelter the exposed head and shoulders, making the image and surrounding temple a place of great veneration for both local Thais and Chinese migrants.<br/><br/> Today the temple is among the most venerated of Buddhist sites not just in Phuket, but in all southern Thailand.
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, generally shortened to Wat Mahathat, or ‘Temple of the Great Chedi’ is the most revered and important temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat and indeed in southern Thailand. It is considered to have been built at the time of the founding of the town, and is said to contain a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha.<br/><br/> Southern Thai lore records that the founders of the temple were Prince Thanakuman and his Queen Hemchala, who brought Buddha relics to Hat Sai Kaeo and built a small pagoda to mark the location. Subsequently, in the 13th century, King Si Thamma Sokharat founded the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat and built a new temple around the great chedi.
Wat Kamphaeng Laeng was originally a 12th century Khmer Hindu place of worship, later becoming a Buddhist temple. Phetchaburi probably also marked the southernmost extent of the Khmer Empire.
Wat Kamphaeng Laeng was originally a 12th century Khmer Hindu place of worship, later becoming a Buddhist temple. Phetchaburi probably also marked the southernmost extent of the Khmer Empire.
The main feature of Bangkok's Wat Intharawihan is the 32-metre high standing Buddha called either Luang Pho To or Phrasiariyametri. It took over 60 years to complete and is decorated in glass mosaics and 24-carat gold. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. The temple was built at the beginning of the Ayutthaya period.
The main feature of Bangkok's Wat Intharawihan is the 32-metre high standing Buddha called either Luang Pho To or Phrasiariyametri. It took over 60 years to complete and is decorated in glass mosaics and 24-carat gold. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. The temple was built at the beginning of the Ayutthaya period.
The main feature of Bangkok's Wat Intharawihan is the 32-metre high standing Buddha called either Luang Pho To or Phrasiariyametri. It took over 60 years to complete and is decorated in glass mosaics and 24-carat gold. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. The temple was built at the beginning of the Ayutthaya period.
The main feature of Bangkok's Wat Intharawihan is the 32-metre high standing Buddha called either Luang Pho To or Phrasiariyametri. It took over 60 years to complete and is decorated in glass mosaics and 24-carat gold. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. The temple was built at the beginning of the Ayutthaya period.
The main feature of Bangkok's Wat Intharawihan is the 32-metre high standing Buddha called either Luang Pho To or Phrasiariyametri. It took over 60 years to complete and is decorated in glass mosaics and 24-carat gold. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. The temple was built at the beginning of the Ayutthaya period.
The main feature of Bangkok's Wat Intharawihan is the 32-metre high standing Buddha called either Luang Pho To or Phrasiariyametri. It took over 60 years to complete and is decorated in glass mosaics and 24-carat gold. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. The temple was built at the beginning of the Ayutthaya period.