Revered by locals and tourists alike, Wat Rong Kuhn aka The White Temple in Chiang Rai is a big drawcard in Northern Thailand. As you approach the pallid Buddhist monolith, the first thing that takes your breath away is that it seems to be sculpted from ice. Hundreds of visitors dot the temple grounds and the black clothing that Thai people have been wearing in mourning stands in stark contrast to the milky landscape. However, this heavenly temple is not what it seems… The first sign of something quirky is the giant transformer-like sculpture sitting on a bench at the entrance. Once you have made your way through the pay booth, you begin noticing the intricate details of the building design. In order to reach the temple, you need to cross a bridge over a lake. The first level as you approach the bridge is meant to depict unrestrained desire and showcases two pits flanking the walkway with hundreds of hands grasping up towards you. There are also skulls, snakes and the cemented carvings of faces in these pits, creating an eerie portrait of mass desperation and damnation. Approaching the bridge, you are greeted by two giant custodians that glisten in the sunlight. They are called Kinaree and are half-human half-bird creatures from Buddhist mythology. Once you are on the bridge, you begin the walk to the temple entrance. The walls along the bridge are decorated with detailed mosaic tiles and intricate carvings. Although the temple itself is rather small, the most shocking and unexpected surprise awaited us inside. No pictures are allowed to be taken in the temple, so you will have to use your imagination. (Hint: Google images) As you step into the temple through one of two large entrance ways, the typical scene of a Buddha shrine greets you. However, you will notice that most people are staring in awe at the wall behind the entrance doors. In a massive floor to ceiling art instillation, some very familiar and unexpected faces are found. Pikachu, Neo from the Matrix, Elvis Presley, Bumblebee the Transformer, King Kong, aliens and droves of influential Western idols over the last few decades share a spot in this mosaic of modern pop culture. The artwork depicts these various characters floating in space and also reference other modern political and social scenarios, nuclear warfare and terrorism included. One particular eye-catching and controversial image is that of George W Bush near a depiction of the twin towers which are being constricted by snakes that have fuel pumps for heads. After the initial shock the message is clear – in order to reach enlightenment and get closer to Nirvana people will need to leave behind the political and social conditioning that has been fed to us by mass media. Well, at least that’s my humble interpretation of the bizarre set up. Once you leave the actual temple, you are led to the back of the temple grounds where silver leaf offerings are made under a structure depicting the animals of the Chinese zodiac. Don’t be surprised if some of the mask artwork hanging from the trees sparks nostalgia – the faces of Deadpool, Jack Sparrow, Gollum, Ninja Turtles and even Arnie as the Terminator hang serenely from the greenery. Chalermchai Kositpipat is the eccentric artist who designed the temple. It was opened to the public in 1997, but the structure is far from complete. Construction on the project is expected to conclude in 2070 and the compound will then house nine buildings in total.
1 Comment
Divine Dux
6/1/2017 12:14:45 pm
You have come so far. Your journey is so amazing. From South Africa, your hometown, to Thailand, the current country, so many experiences have been gained through the way. Some could be joyful, some could be exciting, or even inconvenient. However, that is such a great opportunity of life to learn and help people, and maybe to seek for the truth of your spirit. Your have inspired us. Please keep going, witness the world and tell us how wonderful it is. I am looking forward to hear you.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWriter. Dreamer. Lover. Explorer. Teacher. Archives
July 2017
Categories |