vendredi 10 octobre 2014

The Surreal White Temple

The Surreal White Temple

The Wat Rong Khun is an unorthodox Buddhist temple in Thailand. Building of this unusual building started in 1997 by Thai painter-architecht Chalermchai Kositpipat, and was immediately dubbed 'The White Temple'.
white temple

white temple
The luxurious temple is a blend of traditional architecture that combines surreal elements together, and if you ever get to visit, you'll be hard-pressed not to be impressed...
white temple
The main building is painted all in white to symbolize the purity of the Buddha. It is covered with a mosaic of mirrors, and lights up in the sun, which gives it a holy look.
white temple

white temple
But around the building, the atmosphere is a lot less holy. Complex statues of demons and skulls, severed heads hanging from trees and other strange objects, promise the traveler an otherworldly experience.
white temple

white temple
The main building is part of a 12 acre compound that is home to 9 different buildings. But to get to the main building, you'll need to cross a bridge over a creepy moat that has arms coming out of it, symbolizing desire.
white temple

white temple
The surreal experience doesn't stop outside, but continues within.
white temple

white temple
If you thought to be welcomed by statues of Buddha and white angels, you'll be surprised to discover huge wall paintings taken from western popular culture.
white temple

white temple
Instead of battling demons, Chalermchai Kositpipat decided to take scenes of epic battles between good and evil, and put it in a buddhist context. That is why we see paintings of batman, superman and even Keanu Reevs as Nemo from The Matrix movies.
white temple

white temple
And in the middle of this chaotic mess, sits the serene image of the buddha, surrounded by golden flowers and hovering angels in a heavenly kingdom.
white temple

white temple
The white temple was built to serve as a learning and meditation center for people, and there's no doubt it gives much inspiration, as to what kind of inspiration, I cannot say...

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