Wat Phra Ka Si Rattana satsadaram) Wat Phra Kaew (English: Temple of the Emerald Buddha; full official name wat Phra temple sregarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) n Thailand. The Emerald Buddha housed i in Phra is a potent symbol and the palladium (protective image) of Thai society t is located to the historic centre of Bangkok, within the precincts of the Grand Palace According The main building is the central phra ubosot, which houses the statue of the Emerald Buddha. the Emera legend, this Buddha i originated in India where the sage Nagasena prophesized that Buddha Buddha wou d bring "prosperity and pre-eminence to each country n which it resides", the Emerald of the therefore deeply revered and venerated in Thailand as the protector it was country. Historical records however ts finding to Chiang Rai 15th century where, after relocated a number of times it was finally taken to Thailand in the 18th century. It was enshrined in Bangkok at the Wat a Kaew temple in 1782 during the reign of Phutthayotfa Chulalok, King Rama I Bhumibol This marked the beginning of the Chakri Dynasty of Thailand, whose present sovereign is tall, carved Adulyade King Rama centimetres (26 inch.) It is carved The Emerald Buddha, a dark green statue, is in a standing form, about 66 stone). Thai King from a single jade stone emerald" in Thai means deep green colour and not the specific for the the in the meditating posture in the style of the Lanna school of the northern Thailand. Except King changes an and, in his stead, the Crown Prince, no other persons are allowed to touch the statue. The rainy seasons, cloak around the statue three times a year, corresponding to the summer, winter, and and important ritual performed to usher good fortune to the country during each season wear long pants The sacred temples in Thailand follow a dress code, which is strictly followed. Men must may rent shirts and shoes; women must wear long skirts. Visitors who d otherwise before arrive shoes appropriate clothing items at the entry area of the temple. It is compulsory to remove the Thailand. entering the temple, a sign of respect of the is the practice in all other temples in of as Bud any offensive stretching While offering prayers before the Buddha image, the sitting posture should avoid feet towards the deity; the feet should be tucked in towards the back. the changing centres The temple grounds also depict three pagodas to its immediate north, which represent 19th-century of Buddhist influence. One such shrine to the west of the temple is the Phra Si Ratana Chedi, a stupa built in sriiankan style enshrining ashes of the Buddha. colour.They On the eastern side of the temple premises there are eight towers or prangs, each of a different were erected during the reign of Rama l and represent eight elements of Buddhism.