Thai temple(Wat) buildings take on several shapes and forms. Depending on the size of the temple among the buildings you will find a Viharn/wihan and maybe an Ubosoth or Bot as well. Since both these structures often have a similar architectural style it is not easy for a lay person to identify which is which.
Viharn or wihan is a Thai word which could be translated to temple or sermon hall and is the place that Thai Buddhists go to pray and interact with monks for other ceremonies. While the Ubosoth or Bot is an ordination hall for monks. Often where a Wat has both Viharn and Ubosoth the latter may well be a smaller building and possibly not open to the public. If no Viharn is present then the Ubosoth will be used for all purposes.
The Ubosoth in today’s photograph is at Wat Phanthai Norasing which is a short distance from the Phanthai Norasing Shrine near Samut Sakhon, Thailand, there is currently no separate Viharn at this temple.
When entering a Viharn or Ubosoth it is important to be dressed appropriately. Shorts and tee shirts are best avoided so as not to offend worshippers. It is also important to remove ones shoes and step over the threshold(step) and not on it.
Equipment: Canon EOS 1000D 55mm Lens
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