Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is a striking and unconventional Buddhist temple located in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand. Designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, it opened to visitors in 1997. The temple features a white exterior adorned with intricate decorations and a moat surrounded by disconcerting sculptures such as outstretched hands and skulls. This design symbolizes the journey toward nirvana, prompting visitors to release negative feelings before experiencing spiritual purity. Kositpipat aims to incorporate modern elements and critique contemporary societal issues through his art, making the temple a significant piece of Thailand's Neotraditional art movement.
The journey across the bridge embodies the Buddhist notion of nirvana, as it encourages visitors to let go of greed, desire, and sin before entering a space of spiritual purity and worship.
Conceived and designed by Chiang Rai native and visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the White Temple is a Buddhist temple in Ban Rong Khun that opened to visitors in 1997.
Kositpipat's work often critiqued societal issues such as corruption, class disparity, and the materialism of contemporary society.
With its monochrome white structure and glittering façade, Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, stands out among the nearly 45,000 temples in Thailand.
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