Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located in the historical center of Bangkok within the grounds of the Grand Palace. It is made of green jadeite, and dressed in gold. The name emerald refers only to its color. Today it is most revered Buddha image in the world. It is believed it was made in India in the 1st century BC, even though there are some other assumptions about its origin. In the past the powers of the Emerald Buddha were associated with purification of evil spirits and diseases. King Rama I brought the statue and built a temple for it. There are no monks in the temple.