Pilgrimage

A visit to Phra Buddhapad, situated 108km from Bangkok is worthwhile as a pilgrimage or one day trip. There are many modes of transport from Bangkok to the sacred place, by bus, by hiring car or by the river in a comfortable boat or renovated rice barge up to the city of Ayutthaya and continue to Buddha Pada. There is a wide variety of choice available, priced for any budget.

It is also possible to take a train to Ayutthiya and continue by road. Although it takes time, the boat ride is the best way of seeing the beautiful country side as well. Usually the boat journey starts at 8 A.M. from Bangkok and takes about three to four hours to reach Ayutthiya with lunch provided in the boat. Few hours could be spent sightseeing in the old city.

While in Autthiya, a visit to Wat Dharmaram Temple is a must for every Sri Lankan Buddhist who wish to pay grateful homage to Siamese National Upali Maha Thera for his priceless contribution to the revival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

He was residing at that temple when permission was granted by King Borommacot Dharmaraja to lead the team of 18 Siamese monks and eight novices to the island nation in 1752. There is a beautiful mural depicting that historic event inside the temple.

This place of worship was recently renovated through the initiatives jointly taken by our Embassy in Bangkok and Thai ministry of foreign affairs. The Sri Lanka Govt contributed three million four hundred forty thousand Bhats towards the cost while Royal Thai government contributed one million Bhats for the restoration.

The journey to Buddhapada by highway from Ayutthiya moves through pleasant countryside and the entrance to the temple seen from a distance is awe inspiring.

The well kept and clean atmosphere at the approach immediately puts one in a relaxed mood and the serene ambience of greenery invites the visitors to roam leisurely in the vast ten square kilometers of this temple perimeter.

The pleasant sound of bells hanging from the roof edges of the vihara, set up in motion by the cool breeze, combined with the deep resonant of temple bells rung by devotees create an appeasing atmosphere.

It is certainly a soothing experience for those who need restorative blessings after visiting overcrowded temples and hectic shopping sprees in Bangkok.