Hell Sculptures of Wat Pairong Wua

There really isn't any way to properly describe these sculptures which make up a very small part of the massive temple complex known as Wat Pairong Wua, which is located about 60 kms northwest of Bangkok in Thailand. One just has to go there and experience it first-hand. I had seen a couple of images of this place online and was so intrigued that I decided to make an effort to find it so I could document it myself. I eventually found it but it wasn't easy. I started out with bad directions. For a series of over 350 glorious photos of this place, click HERE. To read an account of the journey to "Hell and back" - click on the Read More tab below. 

Buddhist Hell Paintings

In various Temples and Wats throughout Thailand, Burma and Laos it is not uncommon to stumble across a series of paintings somewhere inside, usually on the inner wall near the entrance, which depict the innumerable punishments that are dished out in the Buddhist afterlife for those who have been a tad bit naughty.

Many delightful options are available: having one's tongue torn out with pincers, hot oil poured down one's throat, being forced to climb a thorn tree while being chased by spear-throwing demons, assuming the form of an animal and being sawed in half and having your entrails eaten by vultures, or, how about something a little more traditional like being thrown into a large cauldron of burning oil? Click HERE for a series of tantalizing photos of these paintings.

Sala Keo Kou

On the outskirts of the small town of Nong Khai, which lies along the Mekong River in Northern Thailand, there is a place called Sala Keo Kou. It is a sculpture park that sprung from the mind of one mad monk named Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat. According to a legend, as a young man, he fell into a cave and thus met the great hermit Keokou, who became his spiritual mentor, and after whom Sala Keo Kou is named. There is another sculpture park across the Mekong, just east of Vientiane in Laos which is most commonly known as Buddha Park. Most of the statues are made of concrete because it was the cheapest material that Sulilat had access to. What is special about many of these statues is the overall size and the fantastic nature of the subject matter, which is borrowed from both the Buddhist and Hindu Pantheons. It is something that really has to be seen to be fully appreciated. We'll take a closer look at Sulilat's life and legacy in a future post. For additional photos click HERE

The Wall Murals of Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The Wat is a must-see destination and is impressive in every way. Along the interior walls of the temple complex are a series of highly detailed paintings depicting the life of Rama and other episodes from the Ramayana. These have been in the process of being restored by local artisans for many years now and they are finally nearing completion. For additional photos of these murals click HERE

Saan Jao Mat Thap Thim

In central Bangkok, at the end of a short street called Soi Somkhit, there lies a small but peculiar shrine. It is dedicated to a little-known Goddess by the name of Thup Thim. It's origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery. At some point Thai women began bringing flowers and small statues to this odd little shrine. Over the years the offerings became bigger (and harder) and took on a phallic shape. It is now used primarily as a fertility shrine. During a recent visit it appeared that all the offerings had been meticulously arranged and organized as opposed to a visit from a few years back where everything was strewn all over the place. Also, in 2004, in the middle of the shrine area, there was a large stone lingham which stood over ten feet tall. For some reason, that phallic pillar is no longer there. Additional photos Here.

Denizens of the Death Temple

Every village on the island of Bali has at least one Pura Dalem. These are commonly referred to as "Death Temples" and they are the gathering place for witches and demons alike. Usually located on the outskirts of the village and often near a cremation ground, this is the domain of the Queen of the Leyaks, Rangda, and her images are everywhere, along with her attendant Rarung and other hideous forms. You want an adventure? Just go to any Pura Dalem after the sun goes down. You'll feel it. 

More Photos Here

Cremation Day

Cremations are a common sight on the island of Bali. What used to take several hours now takes much less time since high tech jet-gas flames are now used to burn the body.  

More photos HERE.