Night Market Karon Temple

Karon Temple Night Market. A local food market in the temple. Open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 16 to 22. Everybody knows Karon temple for the market, but it is an attractive temple to visit in daytime. Thai name of the temple is Wat Suwan Khiri Khet. The main building is guarded by 2 huge snakes, the Nagas, whose bodies continue round the entire building. The doors and windows are engraved with scenes from the life of the Buddha. Another building is guarded by blue monsters. These are called "Yak", supernatural beings that feature in old Buddhist texts. They scare off spirits and keep the Buddha images inside safe from harm. Inside is a distinctive black Buddha image along with a couple of Hindu looking images - a cow and a statue of Kali. The two religions are actually closely related. Buddhism originated in India in the Sixth century B.C., founded by Prince Siddhartha, who eventually achieved the ultimate goal of enlightenment. After 49 days of meditating under a bodhi tree, he became Buddha, or the “Awakened One.” Buddhism later arrived in Thailand from Sri Lanka. It became the dominant religion in both Thailand and Laos in the Twelfth century. Buddhism is a key component to the identities of many Thais. Many will give daily offerings to things like spirit houses. Others will sporadically feed the many soi, the street dogs to make merit. By making and gaining merit, many Thais believe they will live longer and happier lives. Some people will also wear Buddhist amulets in order to protect themselves. Buddhist temples are important places for gathering together. Many Thais will spend Buddhist holidays around these stunning, architectural wonders. In addition to being a place of worship and celebration, these temples often house monks, schools, and act as gathering places for locals. Many temples feature markets just outside of their grounds, and some even has a massage school on its grounds.