Michael A. Stecker
mastecker@gmail.com

Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit in Bangkok, Thailand
Located at Wat Traimit near Bangkok's Chinatown, the Golden Buddha is the world's largest solid gold statue.  Measuring 9.8 feet tall and weighing 5.5 tons it is thought to consist of about 83% gold or over 18 carat.  The statue was housed in a wat in Ayutthaya until mid 19th century and moved to Wat Traimit circa 1930. Lying dormant for over 20 years its golden nature was not discovered until 1955 when its plaster covering was chipped off after a drop from a crane.

It is made in the Sukhothai Dynasty style, probably in the 13th century.  The Buddha is represented in the traditional pose of Bhumisparshamudra (touching the earth with the right hand to witness Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment at Bodh Gaya). The flame that crowns the ushnisha is an innovation of Sukhothai that symbolizes the splendour of spiritual energy. The three wrinkles in the neck and the much elongated ear lobes are signs of his former status of prince.

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