Temple Terminology

 Ordination Hall

Known as the Bot or Phra Ubosot this is the main prayer room and one of the most important structures of a Temple. It is in this building where Monks are ordained. The Bot is a rectangular shaped building with it's main entrance facing towards the east. Usually the internal walls are decorated with murals of the Ramakien, the Thai version of stories that tell about the previous lives of the Buddha.

Assembly Hall

Known as A Viharn or Wiharn this building will often look like the ubosot, except that it is not surrounded by Sema Stones. In the Viharn several Buddhist ceremonies take place with both monks and lay people. Inside the Viharn Buddha images are kept. People from outside the Wat come to the Viharn to prey. There can be more than one Viharn in a Temple. 

Chedi / Stupa

The Chedi, also known as a Stupa or Pagoda is the most important and sacred structure of the Temple. Originally, a Chedi contained relics of the Buddha, later on they were also used to enshrine the remains of Kings or a very important monks. Chedis are found in various shapes and variations, though typically they have a conical shape.

Mondop

The Mondop or Mandapa is a usually square and cubical shaped pavilion with a spired roof. It can be used either as a place to store scriptures or objects used in temple ceremonies. Sometimes a Mondop houses holy items, like a footprint of the Buddha.

Sema Stones

Sema or Sima Stones are used to form a boundary around the Bot. A Bot always has to be surrounded by eight Sema stones, that are placed outside the building in a rectangular shape. The stones mark the sacred area of the Bot. A ninth Sema stone is buried under the location of the main Buddha Image found inside the Bot. 

Luk Nimit

Beneath the Sema Stones are buried large iron/stone balls known as Luk Nimit. Before burial the balls will be blessed and people will stick gold leaf to them. The Bot can not be used until this balls are ritually buried.

Crematorium

The Crematorium is easily recognizable through the high chimney.

Phra Phikanet & Phra Sangkachai

Phra Phikanet - Elephant Hindu deity Ganesh represents wealth, success and good luck. 

Phra Sangkachai – Revered monk figure with a fat belly praised by Buddha for his teachings. Not to be confused with the Chinese, fat, laughing monk called the Budai. The Phra Sangkachai can be distinguished by his wearing a monk’s robe and has hair, whereas the Budai is bald.

Guardians

Yaksha

Fierce looking figures situated next to Temple gates often with large bulging eyes, fangs and green skin and carrying a large weapon.

Naga & Makara

Naga – “Naga” means “serpent” in Sanskrit and are mythical creatures which can be single or multi headed. The Naga King Muchalinda sheltered Buddha from a rain storm for seven days whilst he was meditating.

Makara – Crocodile-like mythical creature often seen disgorging a Naga from its throat. Means “sea-dragon in Sanskrit.

Chinthe

Chinthe, a creature resembling a lion, are guardians of the Temples.

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Bell Tower

Drum Tower