Shrine in Tree Roots Wat Bang Kung Photo/Image

Posted on May 25, 2010 by Mike

A view of the entrance to a Buddhist shrine in the roots of a Banyan Tree at Wat Bang Kung Samut Songkhram

When I was at Amphawa floating market I took a boat trip along the Mae Klong River to visit several Thai temples. One of the temples, Wat Bang Kung, had a rather interesting feature in the form of an old Bot(ordination hall) that was totally encased in the roots of a Banyan Tree(Strangler fig). The Bot is still used for the ordination of Buddhist monks although most Thai visitors treat it like a shrine and come to pray in front of the large Buddha icon inside.

It is said that the only reason the building is still standing is because of the support the tree roots offer. This reminded me of the Buddha head in a tree at Wat Phra Mahathat in Ayutthya.

You can read more about Wat Bang Kung on my blog the Temples of Thailand.

Equipment: Canon EOS 1000D 55mm Lens

Related posts:

  1. Buddha Head in Tree-Wat Phra Mahathat Ayutthaya Thailand
  2. Kapok Tree Photo/Image
  3. An Old Head on Young Shoulders Idiom Photo/Image
  4. Ordination of Buddhist Monk-Ordination Ceremony Photo/Image
  5. Wat Na Phra Mane Ayutthaya Photo/Image
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  • Emm

    That is so interesting – it must be ancient! Was it always (or was it intended) to be encased in a tree?

  • The TEFL Don

    Emm, its very old, I believe the tree roots are accidental. The temple was abandoned for 200 years according to my information, only to be reopened about 20 years ago.

  • Martyn

    Mike when I went to see one of the local Bang Fai Festivals this month I stumbled upon a shrine at the top of 30 to 40 steps quite near to Wilai's village. It had a wonder view looking down onto the Bang Chang River. There was also a very small Buddhist prayer shrine set up in the roots of a large tree. It was nothing elaborate like the one in your post but quite eye catching nonetheless.

    Thailand's religion and wonderful culture continues to pull me deeper into its web with every trip I take. I'll be visiting the shrine again next trip as it is only about 3 km from our house. The view looking down to the river was great, something I didn't expect to find in a rural area. They have some picnic tables set up there as well.