Thai Temple Architecture Basics
The better your understanding of Thai temple architecture, the more sense you will make out of wandering between the different elements of a temple compound, and thus the more satisfying your enjoyment will be.
First of all, a temple in Thailand is called a wat. So it’s actually not that smart to speak of the “Wat Po temple” (because it literally means: Temple Po Temple”), but since this is the common usage, and since it makes it clearer for both foreign visitors and Thai people alike, let’s stick to it anyway.
There are two structures that are of the most importance in a wat. One is the boht, and the other one is the viharn.
Boht (Bot, Ubosoth)
This can be translated as ordination hall, central sanctuary or consecrated chapel. However you want to translate it, it is a hall where monks are ordained.
The boht is usually only for monks, not for laypeople to enter. A boht can easily be recognized by the six special stones (bai sema) that surround it.
Viharn
This can be translated as temple hall or sermon hall. It is the place where laypeople can receive blessings, teachings and advice from monks. This also is usually the busiest place of a temple, as worshippers come here to make merit or pray. Also, Buddha images are stored in the viharn, and there is an altar.
Some temples don’t have a boht, and then the viharn functions as both a boht and a viharn.
Chedi (Stupa, Pagoda)
Thai temples also often have one or more chedis, which is the Thai word for stupas or pagodas. Oftentimes it is said that these chedis contain relics of the historical Buddha, for example a bone. Alternatively, bones or ashes from sacred monks, or other sacred objects may be contained within a chedi.
A chedi can easily be recognized by it’s bell- or mountain shaped form.
There is also a subset of chedis which is called taht gradoog. They are smaller and have a more squarish shape. Gradoog is the Thai word for “bones”, and taht can be translated as reliquary. The purpose of these taht gradoog is to store ashes of deceased worshippers.
Another kind of chedi is the prang. A prang is a Khmer-style chedi, and can easily be recognized because it’s slim and high, reaching into the sky.
Sa La
A Sa La is an open-sided pavillon, or open-sided shelter. It can also be spelled sah-lah or sala.
Goo Di
Hor Drai
Alternative spellings: Ho Drai, Ho Trai, Hor Trai, Ho Phra, Hor Phra
The Hor Drai is the Tripitaka library, or simply the library of the temple, where sacred writings are being stored. Most of the time it’s a small building, with intricate decorations.
Hor Glorng
Hor Rakang
Chofa
If you look at the roofs of a temple, you will often see a pointed object at it’s corners, which can resemble a bird. These are chofas. Oftentimes there are little bells attached to them that ring when the wind blows.
Mondop
Alternative spellings: mandapa
Naga
Naga is a mythological serpent from Buddhism that protected the Buddha. It is often incorporated into temple structures flanking the staircases of viharn or bot buildings, or the edge of the roof.
