Ubosod Wat Phumin (at the front), Nan
The Bot corresponds to the Indian Chaitya Hall, and like this it may have one large nave or one nave and the lateral aisles. Its classic type has a rectangular plan-at
its end its enshrines a large gilded sitting Buddha image modelled either in stucco or cast in bronze. The image is placed over a high pedestal whose rich ornamentation
contrasts sharply with the plain modelling of the image and seems to symbolize the unrestfulness of our life in comparison with the serenity of the Enlightened One.
Wat Mongkol Bophit, Ayutthaya
On account of the limited light the interior receives and also become in general the walls are decorated with paintings having a rather dark tonality, the large image is
principally designed by its shining highlights, an effect apt to add mysticism to these holy interiors. The shape of the Bot may have originated from the thatched Indonesian
-Thai house.
West side of the Ordination Hall with Dvaravati Buddha image niche. The pillars are
round with lotus capitals. At both sides of stairways there are two marble singhas,
Wat Benchamabophit, Bangkok
Of course, the roof of the Bot has in time become more complex than the common house on account of lateral additions and the superimposed roofs.
The lateral additions are meant to widen the interior and as usual a feature dictated by functional necessities becomes a characteristic of a style. The roofs of the front
and rear porches with their lower height than those of the main structure add movement and beauty to the mass and outline of the building. At the end of each ridge of
the roof of the Bot of central Thailand there is that graceful finial called 'chofa'.
The home of the famous Phra Buddha Chinnarat, regarded as the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Phitsanulok
The Bot may have one, two or three doors, both in front and at the back of the building. Outside, the doors and windows are decorated with ornamental frames in stucco
gilded and enriched with glass mosaic. The panels of the windows and those of the doors are decorated outside with gilded lacquer ornaments while, in general,
the interiors have mythical figures of guardians painted in vivid colours. Some Bots instead of lacquer decoration have ornaments in inlaid mother or pearl. In this case the
design of the ornaments is very detailed.
Wat Dong Dee in chiangmai
Some examples of Bot such as that of Wat Na Phramen in Ayutthaya (ca. 16th century A.D.) have between
the two lateral doors a large and high niche containing a standing Buddha image. Both front and rear facades have the same niche. The effect of this composition is imposing and beautiful.
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