Thai Temple Buildings
Introduction.
Generally speaking there are three distinct areas within the compound of a Thai Wat. These can be described as a living area for the monks, a sacred area and a public area.The layout of such areas will vary from Wat to Wat.
The Area Where Monks Live in a Thai Wat
The Sungkawat area is the area of a Wat set aside for the monks to live. It will include some if not all of the following buildings:
Kuti-A residential building where the monks live and sleep.Kuti come in lots of different shapes and styles from single simple wooden structures to modern interconnected blocks made of more substantial materials.
Gabpiya Kudee-A kitchen and food storage area where offerings from the faithful are kept and if necessary cooked. Spare food is given to temple boys and animals.
Vajakudee-Toilet facilities.
Ho Chan-Dining hall-may be used for other function too.
Sala Kanparian-A place for studying Buddhist teachings.
Ho Trai-A place to keep religious texts.
The Sacred Area of a Thai Wat.
In Thai this is known as the Phuttawat.
Ubosoth or Bot-An ordination hall, not always the largest structure but usually very grand with lots of Buddha images and intricate art work. There is only one ubosoth per temple.
Bai Sema-The Ubosoth can sometimes be identified by the “Bai Sema,” which are boundary markers to signify the sacred ground. There are usually eight around the outside of the building. They are often quite ornate in their design.
Luk Nimit-Very occasionally, where a Wat is still not complete, you may see some round stones about the size of a cannonball waiting to be put in place. Luk Nimit is the name for these sacred stones and there are usually nine, eight are placed in the Bai Sema markers outside the completed Bot and covered whilst the ninth usually larger in size goes under or infront of the main Buddha statue inside the Ubosoth.
Wihan House-Represents the living place of Buddha and is used by monks and laity for religious services Many temples have more than one wilhan.
Chedi-Also known as a Stupa is a bell or dome shaped structure in which there might be relics or texts. You may find lots of Chedi at a temple.
Ho Rakhang-A belfry that houses the temple bell, usually quite large. This is used to summon the monks to prayer.
Sala Thai-open side building used by the general public for meetings and as a rest place
The Public Area of a Thai Wat.
In Thai this is known as the Thoraneesong.
Often found at the back of a temple the public area usually houses the crematorium(if the temple has one)and an open area for social activities.The crematorium is often ornate and has a long slender chimney atop. May also include several Sala.
