Road of Buddha stuff shops

Adjacent to Sao Ching Cha, there are many Buddha shops along this road.

เสาชิงช้า- the heaven door

For answer question from Hilda -How does it swing?

(I think there many peole also wonder how does it swing too.
so I add more information and some photo of the giant swing (Sao Ching Cha).

History

The Giant Swing was originally constructed in 1784 in front of the Devasathan shrine by King Rama I. During the reign of Rama II the swing ceremony was discontinued as the swing had become structurally damaged by lightning. In 1920 it was renovated and moved to its current location in order to make space for a gas plant. The ceremony was again performed until 1935, when it was discontinued after several fatal accidents.

The last renovations were done in 1959, and after 45 years of exposure to the elements the wooden pillars were showing signs of serious damage. A major reconstruction began in April 2005. Six teak tree trunks were used. The two used for the main structure of the swing are over 3.5m in circumference and over 30m in height. The remaining four are used for support and are 2.30m in circumference and 20m in height.[1] The swing was taken down in late October 2006 and the work finished late December of the same year. The rebuilt swing was dedicated in royal ceremonies presided over by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in September 2007. The timbers of the original swing are preserved in the National Museum.

In 2005, the Giant Swing, together with Wat Suthat, was suggested as a future UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Swing Ceremony

The Ceremony of Tri-yampawai or the Swing Ceremony was one of the 12 royal ceremonies held in each of the months of the Thai lunar calendar in the Sukhothai kingdom. Originally held in the first lunar month, it was moved to the second lunar month in the early Rattanakosin period at the beginning of the 19th century. The ceremony was a Bhramin new year’s ceremony and lasted for 10 days.

According to an ancient Hindu epic, after Brahma created the world he sent Shiva to look after it. When Shiva descended to the earth, Naga serpents wrapped around the mountains in order to keep the earth in place. When Shiva found the earth solid, the Nagas moved to the seas in celebration. The Swing Ceremony is a re-enactment of this story.

(source: http://brahmin.siamfoundation.org/thai/)

On Tuktuk

Rooftop of Golden Mount

The Golden Mount 3

(Finally, we are arrival at top of the golden mount,

you will see photo1 on your left,

photo2 on your right ,

and in front of your are photo3.

The Golden Mount 2

(uprisen angle at gateway)

(View from the Golden Mount)

( Walk up the Golden Mount)

(View from the Golden Mount )

The Golden Mount or Phukhao Thong is located in the compound of Wat Srakes. It was built in the reign of King Rama III, succeded in the reign of King Rama IV, and completed in the reign of King Rama V.The top mostpart is about 100 meters high, and the base is 500 meters in diameter.

The Golden Mount

(Click on this photo if you wish to enlarge)

Exercise in Park

After work time ,people are gathering to exercise at Rodphai Public Park.

I'm one of them to go here for exercise,riding bicycle is my choice.

(view of Rodphai Public Park when sunset )

Maha Jetsada Bodin Pavillion

Maha Jetsada Bodin Pavillion is nicely decoreated and used for welcome the royal guests.The pavillion and the sculpture of King Rama III are built recently.From this point,you can also see view of Loha Prasat and the Golden Mount.

click here. to see Skywatch Friday posts.

Time to celebrate1@Ratchadamnoen Road

(Personal Flag of H.M. Queen Sirikit (Thailand)

Skyscrapers

Still continue to post photo I take at night. :)
This one has been taken from Baiyoke Tower II .
I love night light in Bangkok.

Welcome to The Bangkok's 360-degree Revolving Roof Deck

Welcome to revolving roof deck on the 84th floor at Baiyoke Tower II. Thailand's first and only challenging open air 360-degree revolving view point located on the highest tower in Thailand and the tallest hotel in the world. (as a reported)

(View of Ratchaprasong District from Revolving Deck)

Siam Ocean World at Siam Paragon

Siam Ocean World Bangkok ; is the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia.
It becomes Thailand's finest tourist attraction and center for the youth to broaden their perspective. By Visiting Siam Ocean World, you will learn more about the aquatic Environment and its inhabitants. Your journey in Siam Ocean World will take you through 7 different zones which are Weird and Wonderful, Deep Reef, Living Ocean, Rainforest, Rocky Shore, Open Ocean, and Sea Jellies.