Wat Phra Pathom Chedi : Buddha Images (1)

Note : Wat Phra Pathom Chedi is located at Nakhon Pathom, one hour west of Bangkok. The Buddha images presented here depict various scenes in the life of the Buddha. They are mostly chronological. The Buddha images are located in the 'courtyard' around the huge Phra Pathom Chedi. When at Phra Pathom Chedi, do not omit to visit the National Museum closeby, which houses many (mostly Dvaravati) art objects depicting Nakhon Pathom's past. You can go to more pages with Buddha images, as seen at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi (14 pages in total) using the links at the bottom of this and consequent pages.

Resolving to become a monk.
Siddharta leaves the palace at Kapilavastu (though the exits are heavily guarded) on his horse, accompanied by his charioteer Chandaka.

Considering food in an alms bow
8 days after becoming a monk, the Bodhisattva receives food for the first time from a local ruler.

Mortification
Seated in the meditation posture with thin, emaciated body.
The Bodhisattva practiced extreme asceticism for six years. Extreme mortification almost resulted in his death. Eventually however, he concluded that there is a 'middle way' between extreme asceticism and worldliness.

Reclining and dreaming
(Compare hand positions with other reclining Buddha images).

(both hand palms facing upwards)
Accepting rice pudding from the milkmaid Sujata. Seated in meditation posture.
The Bodhisattva receives food (after realizing that mortification does not lead to enlightenment) from Suchada (Sujata), so ending his fast.
He then leaves his companion hermits at Uruvela and proceeds to Bodh Gaya.

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Characteristics and Postures of the Buddha
Sitting Buddhas
Reclining Buddhas
Seven Days of the Buddha

Hand Gestures :

The Six Main Mudras
Dhyana Mudra
Bhumisparsha Mudra
Abhaya Mudra
Vitarka Mudra
Varada Mudra

Historical Periods :

Dvaravati
Khmer-Lopburi
Chiang Saen - Lanna
Sukhothai
U Thong
Ayutthaya

Historical Notes :

Dvaravati
Sukhothai
Ayutthaya

Resources

Temples in Thailand :

Overview
Wat Pho
Wat Benchamabophit

Buddha Images at :

Buddha Images at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi

Introduction to Buddhism in Thailand

The 10 Jatakas (lives of the Buddha) as depicted in Thai mural Temple paintings