White Temple, Thailand




White Temple, Thailand

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) is an artistically unique temple in the Chiang Rai Province of Thailand.  Designed in 1997 by artist Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, the construction of the temple still continues.  "I want to be good and valuable in my country. I want to create arts in my own style and to develop Thai Buddhist arts to be accepted internationally. I want people of all nations to come and admire my works... therefore, I need to devote all my time to this and also to educate and pass along my vision to at least two consecutive classes of pupils. Maybe in 60 to 90 years after my death will the project be completed," says Kositpipat. 

White Temple
Visitors are instructed to not turn back on the walkway as it means descending into Hell. Sea of hands represent the physical temptations that try to corrupt us. The tusks are the mouth of the devil representing the desires of the mind. When people walk out of the temple, Ajarn Chalermchai wants people to feel like they have rid themselves of evil spirits and going towards "lokutharadhamma" (the highest level of dhamma where people will not be reborn).

8 monsters on each side of the bridge represent the 16 causes of sorrow.


The use of small mirrors throughout the compound is a symbol of wisdom (Dhamma) of Buddha that shines throughout the universe.

red middle fingernail

Ajarn Chalermchai wanted the temple to be white because he wanted it to be different from other temples which are golden.  He sees gold as suitable for people who lust for evil deeds. To keep the temple clean and white, he is on site every morning and evening.  When not at the temple, he is in his office monitoring the project's progress. He also does not accept donations from outside sources such as the government or millionaires because he doesn't want them to have power to influence his artwork. 





The golden bathroom.  It is free to enter and admire.

a visitor writes his wish on the metal Bodhi leaf (Buddha found enlightment under a Bodhi tree) and hangs it to be granted



On May 5th, 2014, an earthquake severely damaged the compound.  Repairs are in process.

Inside the temple are peculiar murals with many pop culture references.  I was not allowed to take pictures inside the temple so the following pictures are from the internet. 

You can see Spiderman and Superman in this mural.  It is to say that superheros can't save us. (photo credit)

(photo credit)

Neo from the Matrix (photo credit)

Twin towers and weapons. Ajarn Chalermchai says, "I want everyone to know that our world is being destroyed by those who craved to build weapons that kill, thereby ruining the environment because nothing is ever enough. They segregate and therefore cannot find peace." (photo credit)


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