Download ~ Ayutthaya Outside the Walls * by Willy Thorn ~ eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Ayutthaya Outside the Walls
- Author : Willy Thorn
- Release Date : January 13, 2020
- Genre: Travel & Adventure,Books,Arts & Entertainment,Art & Architecture,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 14914 KB
Description
A guide to 34 temples & two royal monuments located ‘Outside the Walls’ of Ayutthaya; off the physical island, on the North & West banks.
This walking tour & travel guide follows 4 itineraries – Northeast [6 temples]; North [14 temples]; Northwest [7 temples & 2 royal monuments]; & West [7 temples].
Each location has a small chapter detailing its location & history, with accompanying fast facts & photos. Individual Buddha statues; murals & art; anecdotes, local legends & contemporary events & characters are also covered at many temples.
Book segments are also dedicated to two of historic Ayutthaya’s greatest rulers: King Naresuan & Queen Suriyothai.
The temple guide also includes:
. four maps, with itineraries & tips for navigation
. an introduction to the Kingdom of Ayutthaya
. an historical comparison of Ayutthaya’s invaders
. detailed accounts of battles, which led to the capital’s fall
. background of the White Elephant War
. anecdotes from civil & royal rebellions, which failed
. regional wars against Cambodia, Vietnam & Yuan China
. an introduction to Ayutthaya ferry landings
. regional histories
. a Thai Buddhist architectural guide
. Local Wildlife & Who to Talk to
. academic notes
. Gold
* * *
Featured locations include:
. the Queen Suriyothai monument – dedicated to perhaps the most famous queen in Siamese Thai history; she rode into battle against Myanmar invaders on elephant back, dressed as a man.
. the King Naresuan monument – one of Asia’s greatest rebel generals; Naresuan helped bring down Southeast Asia’s greatest land empire.
. Wat Na Phra Meru - the oldest standing temple from ancient Ayutthaya still in use today; it also boasts four of Southeast Asia’s greatest historic Buddha statues. They are nearly 3,ooo years old between them.
. Wat Mae Nang Pleum – a second temple from ancient Ayutthaya which is still standing & in use today. Also known as Lady Pleum’s temple, it is home to a shadow-swept alabaster Buddha.
. Wat Chai Watthanaram – built atop a royal palace as a reliquary; it was one of the most monumental temples in the history of Ayutthaya. It took decades to build & stood for hundreds of years.
. Wat Phu Khao Thong – the Temple of the Golden Mount [is actually white]. It was built and claimed by no less than three Siamese kings: King Ramesuan, King Naresuan & King Boromakot. It is still beloved & honored by the Thai Royal Family today & is now home to a self-sufficiency institute founded by King Rama IX.
. Wat Kasatra Thirat Worawiharn – one of Ayutthaya’s most beautiful modern temples; graced with lavish Italian marble & a host of famous golden Buddha statues.
. Wat Tha Ka Rong – The Temple at Crying Crow Pier; now home to a Buddhist carnival & water market.
* * *
Other temples include:
. Wat Thammaram – center stage for one of Siamese history’s greatest betrayals
. Wat Khok Phraya – a haunted royal execution chamber
. Wat Choeng Tha Worawiharn – the Temple of Waiting; built from a bridal house that never was. It eventually became the boatyard for the Royal Palace.
. Wat Klang Khlong & Wat Nak – home to a marine dockyard, capable of holding 3o seagoing ships
. Wat Sanam Chai – a victory temple & centerpiece of a Theravada Mon community
. Wat Pom Yai – home to a community of Shan refugees; cousins to the Thai, driven from Myanmar by war
. Wat Phrom Niwas Worawiharn – center of a Lanna community from Chiang Mai
. Wat Pho – home to a Persian Royal enclave & Arabic gardens
. Wat Maha Lok – the Heavenly Temple of the Great & Grand World
. Wat Sam Wiharn – the Three Chedi Stupa Temple; site of a grisly self-immolation
. Wat Kuti Thong – a craftshop for elephant saddles & canopies
. Wat Hasdawas – home to a magical monk who could turn water into liquor
. Wat Pho Phueak –base for one of Southeast Asia’s greatest conquering generals; Taungoo’s King Bayinnaung.
. Wat Lat Bua Khao - the Temple of the Royal White Lotus
. Wat Lot Chong – named for a dessert of tapioca pasta sweets
