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| The Ubosoth at Wat Yai Intharam shows the 'classical' curved base of the structure (like a ship) often seen in temples from the Ayutthaya period. |
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Chonburi town has not really a lot to offer to visitors. However, there are some interesting temples. One of them, Wat Yai Intharam, dates back to the Ayutthaya period. Its Ubosoth contains mural temple paintings, some dating back to the Ayutthaya era. Both longitudinal walls depict scenes of the Jataka Tales.
Unfortunately, you will have difficulty in seeing the temple paintings at the site, because the Ubosoth usually is closed to the general public. Closeby the Ubosoth there is another temple structure, a Mondop that houses a Buddha footprint. It also has more contemporary paintings on the walls.
Parts of the paintings of the Jataka Tales are really striking, and we hope you also take the opportunity to visit one of our other websites - www.buddha-images.com - were much more images are available for viewing, together with the narrative of the Jatakas. Knowing the stories behind the paintings, will make future visits to Thai temples much more rewarding.
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Old nun in front of the Ubosoth at Wat Yai Intharam, Chonburi |
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Mother of Pearl decoration at one of the entry doors of Wat Yai Intharam |
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Below are images from some of the Jataka Tales as depicted on the temple walls. The links displayed bring you to another website, which gives more images, and the narrative of the Jatakas.
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Ruja pleads the Gods for help, and shows reverence to the Bodhisatta Narada (outside of image), who descends from Brahma Heaven.
The Narada Jataka tells the story of a king who indulges himself in worldly pleasures. He returns to a more proper lifestyle with the help of his morally conscious daughter Ruja and the Bodhisatta Narada.
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The Sama Jataka -
Sama is shot by an arrow in his side by King Piliyakka.
The Sama Jataka tells the story of Sama, who supported his blind parents. He was shot by an arrow by a 'hunting' king. His parents were suffering because of mishappenings in their previous lives. But by their deep sorrow and grievance, their long penance was ended, and they were able to save their child from the injuries. |
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Vessantara and his wife Maddi live as hermits in the forest. [the clothing, with leopard skin type garments, indicates that they are hermits]
The Vessantara Jataka, the most depicted and most popular of them all, tells the story of Vessantara who is willing to give away his children and wife, to anyone in need. It stresses the virtue of charity. |
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Sakka destroyes the Royal Umbrellas - the Canda Kumara Jataka
Khandahala, a corrupt judge, misled the king to decree that all members of the royal family (including his rival, prince Canda-Kumara) should be sacrificed in exchange for the heaven the King needed. All are saved by asking the Gods for help. |
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Images by G.V., Bangkok, copyrighted.
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