Thailand Temples Photo Album

In a Buddhist Wat, the most important building is the Ubosoth or Bot, a place where religious rites or services are performed on important occasions. The Bot can be recognized as such by its six boundary stones (Bai Sema) that define the limits of its sanctuary. Often a temple's Bot is open only to the monks. Next in importance to the Ubosoth is the Viharn or sermon hall. The Viharn is usually open to everyone and is a place where monks and lay people assemble for merit-making, such as giving food to the monks, praying, or attending sermons. Another common architecture in Thai temples is the Chedi - a cone-shaped structure with a lofty spire. The spire is often ornamented in gold and was purposely built to enclose the sacred relics of the Buddha.