วันเสาร์ที่ 20 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2551

NAKHON PATHOM PROVINCE

Nakhon Pathom is a very old city which has been a centre of the Dvaravati civilisation. Over 2,000 years ago, a Buddhism missionary from lndia was sent to introduce Buddhism and its philosophy to a land called Suwannaphum, which had Nakhon Pathom as its capital. Phra Pathom Chedi was the important structure of the kingdom. The prosperous city was abandoned in the 12th century. A new community settled down after the renovation of Phra Pathom Chedi was completed in the reign of King Rama V of Bangkok period.

Nakhon Pathom is 56 kilometres west of Bangkok. It is administratively divided into 6 districts (Amphoes): Muang Nakon Pathom, Nakhon Chaisi, Sam Phran, Bang Len, Kampheang Saen, Don Tum, and 1 sub-district: King Amphoe Phutthamonthon.


Phra Pathom Chedi On coming toward the city, the first glimpse of the towering Phra Pathom Chedi is overpowering. lt is one of the largest pagodas in the world and in Thailand, by far the most holy of all Buddhist structures. The original pagoda was constructed more than 2,000 years ago in the stupa design of an upside down bowl shape. A replica of the original pagoda stands south of the present one. ln the year 1853, King Rama lV commanded the reconstruction of a new huge pagoda covering the original one. lt has a height of 120.45 metres and a total length of 234,75 metres around the base. A nearby museum contains a wealth of priceless relics and many of the stone carvings found in and around Nakhon Pathom. At the four points of the compass in the outer courtyard are four Wiharas (halls) containing images of Buddha in various postures.

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