The Temple of Truth is a wooden structure that took more than three decades to build. The uniqueness of the temple – it is built without nails, however, the statement is quite controversial, because initially they are used, but gradually pulled out. Local craftsmen assure that by the time construction is completed, not a single nail will remain in the structure. By the way, the Temple of Truth in Pattaya is tentatively scheduled to be completed by 2025. Construction works have been carried out since 1981, and the craftsmen do not stop even during guided tours. Today, some parts require reconstruction, however, this does not at all underestimate the scale and grandeur of the structure.
General information
The main mission of the temple is to promote religion and architectural art in Thailand. For this reason, the temple is not used for a direct purpose-religious needs, first of all, it is a landmark that demonstrates the attitude of the East to the world, religion.
Interesting to know! The author of the religious project is millionaire Leku Viriyapanu, who invented and created the Ancient City. It was he who sponsored the construction, and also devoted his life to uniting the religions of the four countries.
The Temple of Truth in Thailand is a grandiose structure with a height of 20-storey building and a width of 100 m. A plot of more than 13 hectares has been allocated for construction. Why did the project take so many years? The fact is that all the elements that adorn the facade and interior spaces are hand-carved. The construction of the main building has been completed, but craftsmen are still completing the decoration, which combines the culture and philosophy of the four nations.
Interesting to know! The main idea of the temple is closely intertwined with an ancient legend that tells about the creation of the world.
Informative facts about the temple
The Temple of Truth in Thailand is the largest religious structure made only of wood. The history of the Temple of Truth in Pattaya began in 1981, but the structure looks ancient. Since specialists do not stop working, tourists are always given hard hats.
According to the project, the temple is a structure without nails. However, today some details of the attraction are so decrepit that you have to use nails to support the temple.
A hotel complex was planned to be built on the site of the building. The author of the project, Lek Viriyapan, asked for the blessing of local monks, but was refused. Then the millionaire decided to invest in a new church.
The structure is supported on 170 pillars, they were cut out of tree trunks.
Legends about the temple
In Thailand, almost all religious buildings are shrouded in myths, the Temple of Truth is no exception. Locals tell two legends.
The myth of wish fulfillment. Near the main entrance, a crossbar with three objects tied to it is placed on the shoulders of two figures. If you hit objects in a special way, any dream will come true.
Interesting fact! Guides recommend writing down your wishes on paper, because strange things happen to people who approach three subjects – they completely forget about what they wanted to ask for. It is not necessary to ask the Buddha for money, it is better to ask for something specific.
You need to beat in this order:
- hit the triangle three times;
- strike the bell three times;
- strike the gong three times.
The second legend is connected with conception. Inside the temple in the Cambodian hall, a sculptural composition of parents with a child is installed. According to legend, people come here to ask for a daughter, for this they rub the right hand of the statue or for a son – they rub the left hand of the statue. And they also ask the sculpture for the health of their parents. To do this, rub the knee of one of the parents depicted in the wooden sculpture. Some locals say that here you can ask for a blessing in marriage.
What to see in the temple
The temple looks original and unusual – every inch is decorated with carvings, figurines that tell about the lives of heroes from religious myths. The design used the principles that are professed by Eastern religions.
Photo: Temple of Truth in Pattaya
The details of the temple carry a certain symbolism:
- the figure with a flower symbolizes faith, religion;
- the figure with the bird identifies the whole world;
- a figure with a baby is associated with life;
- the figure with the book is identified with philosophy.
A visit to the temple introduces you to the mythology of four countries at once. One of the spires is crowned with a statue of the horseman – the last person to reach enlightenment.
The authors of the project, when creating it, wanted to show people how much they are bogged down in everyday problems and depend on material values. The temple should remind you of religion and philosophy. Tourists note the incredible atmosphere that reigns on the territory of the temple. Here you can walk for hours and enjoy peace and harmony with the world. It is noteworthy that every detail of the temple makes sense, there is not a single element that is just a decoration.
Interesting fact! Such a large number of figures on the facade and inside the temple indicates that the path to enlightenment and truth will be long and difficult. The temple’s philosophy is that to achieve enlightenment, you need to understand the daily chaos.
Inside a religious building
Inside, the space is divided into themed halls, they are dedicated to the religion of a particular state.
Thai Hall
There are 7 sculptures that symbolize the days of the week. The largest one is Sunday, on which the monarch was born. At a special booth, visitors can count their personal date of birth and get to know their patrons.
Indian Hall
It is dedicated to the four elements, respectively, there are 4 statues installed here:
- dragon-symbol of fire;
- animals and plants represent the earth;
- trees symbolize air;
- waves made of wood are a symbol of water.
Interesting fact! The oldest column was carved seven centuries ago, and there is a table nearby where guests leave offerings. They are collected for a reason – it is believed that the monks who exorcised evil spirits from the trees could not expel the soul of a woman. Now they are trying to appease her so that the construction continues without incident.
Chinese Hall
Statues of various incarnations of the Bodhisattva are installed here, and octagonal columns are used as supports. The bodhisattva image is one of the earliest in Buddhism. This is the path that all Buddhas have followed.
The Cambodian Hall
Statues of parents and three children are installed. It is here that they ask for children-it is enough to rub the hand of one of the kids depicted in the sculpture. They also come here to ask for health for their loved ones – you need to touch the knee of the spouse of the sculpture.
Useful to know! Only the central part of the temple is used for religious purposes, where people pray, rest, and turn to the gods. There are always mantras inside.
Entertainments
You can visit the Temple of Truth in Thailand in Pattaya on your own or purchase a guided tour. Guides invite you to take a walk around the property every 30 minutes. The first excursion is at 8: 00, the last one is at 17: 00. There are Russian-speaking guides. Tourists choose an entertainment program at the entrance.
Useful to know! You can take a walk on your own for free, but to see the real beauty and talent of Thai masters, you need to go inside the building. Donations go to the continuation of construction.
Prices for self-guided visits:
- traditional visit plan-includes accompanying a guide, visiting workshops, an exciting show, the price is 500 baht, for children – 250 baht, the show is held at 11-30, at 15-30;
- traditional plan and boat trip, price for adults-700 THB, for children-450 THB;
- traditional visit, horse riding, admission-700 baht, for children-450 THB;
- traditional visit plan and horse-drawn carriage ride, admission for adults-600 THB, for children-350 THB;
- traditional visit, elephant ride, adult ticket – 750 THB, children’s ticket-450 THB;
- simple program, quad bike ride, visit – 600 THB, children’s ticket – 350 THB;
- guided tour, foot massage, admission costs 620 baht;
Important! Some activities are purchased separately from the ticket after entering the temple.
How to get to the Temple of Truth in Pattaya by yourself
This tourist attraction is located in the north of Pattaya. Exact address of the attraction: 206/2 Moo 5, Soi Naklua 12, Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150. An affordable and comfortable way to get to the Temple of Truth in Pattaya on your own is to order a taxi. The trip costs an average of 200 THB. To avoid bothering to find a taxi to return, take the phone number of the taxi driver and call him to return to the hotel.
Useful information! Some travelers recommend walking to the temple on your own, the road takes only a quarter of an hour, however, you will have to go along the side of the road, and given that drivers in Thailand are not very careful, the walk can be dangerous. There are no sidewalks in Pattaya.
It is better to give up an independent walk to the temple, firstly, it is quite dangerous, and, secondly, in Pattaya, many streets look the same and it is easy to get lost. If you have an adventurous spirit and want to find out how to get to the temple on your own, follow the route:
- on the Main Street, take a tuk-tuk;
- follow to the 16th lane;
- get out near the fountain;
- from here, walk (you can catch a tuk-tuk) to Soi Street, 12;
- now turn left and walk for a quarter of an hour to the park entrance.
Another faster way to get to the temple on your own is to contact a motorcycle biker at the fountain. As a rule, they ask for a trip of 80 baht, but you can safely bargain and reduce the price to 60 baht.
Practical information
- Opening hours are from 9-00 to 18-00.
- The price of an independent visit depends on the entertainment program, the full ticket price is 450 baht for adults and 225 baht for children.
- Photos and videos are allowed on the premises.
- Official website: www.sanctuaryoftruth.com.
Useful tips for tourists
- There are many English-speaking guides in the church, so there is no language barrier.
- Women should always cover their knees and shoulders, and transparent clothing is prohibited. You can rent a handkerchief at the temple – a deposit of 200 baht.
- Pamphlets are issued at the entrance, and a kibitka takes guests from the gate to the temple. Be careful – there is also a paid transport service on the territory of the attraction.
- Then you need to go down the stairs, show your ticket and get a hard hat.
- By tradition, all tourists are led around the temple and then invited to visit the attraction.
- Be sure to visit the observation deck, the best time for photos is before sunset, and pick up a souvenir figurine at the souvenir shop.
- There is a suspension bridge over the lake near the Temple of Truth.
- The most interesting thematic show is an interactive performance in which tourists take part, Thais dressed in national clothes invite guests to fight with swords.
- If you book tickets in advance on the official website, they will cost less: adult-450 baht, children-225 baht.
The Temple of Truth impresses with the volume and scale of its work. Every detail is made by hand, you can only appreciate the talent of the masters by visiting the attraction in Pattaya yourself.
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