Inside the Sanctuary of Truth

If the exterior is impressive, the interior of the sanctuary is even more striking. There are entrances on all four sides, although the eastern entrance is closed to visitors.

Inside, the sanctuary features a central hall, surrounded by an encircling hall divided into four distinct sections, creating a sense of symmetry and spiritual focus.

Since the construction of the temple began during the reign of King Rama IX, a statue in the museum honors him for his contributions.

The Central Hall

If you expect to see a large deity or statue in the central hall, you may be surprised—the hall is deliberately empty. There are no deities placed at the center, and the space is open and visible from all four sides.

This emptiness is symbolic. The central hall represents the gateway to the universe through the Four Noble Truths, the core teachings of the Buddha.

1. The Four Noble Truths can be briefly summarized as:
2. Suffering (Dukkha) – the reality of suffering in life
3. Origin of Suffering – craving and attachment as the cause
4. Cessation of Suffering – the possibility of an end to suffering
5. The Path – following the Eightfold Path to achieve liberation

The simplicity of the central hall reinforces the philosophical depth of these teachings, encouraging reflection rather than worship.

center of hall

One Noble Truth

North side of central hall:

This side focuses on Confucianism and Taoism. It stresses on Buddhist beliefs of attaining Nirvana if they make good merits.

Entrance from South:

The southern hall illustrates the belief that planets influence human life and destiny. Inside, there is a planetary chart that explains a person’s personality traits based on the day of the week they were born and the planet that governs that day.

Visitors can look up their birth day to understand how planetary influences are traditionally believed to shape character, behavior, and life paths according to this cosmological system.

At the center of the hall stands a figure of the Sun, symbolizing the primary source of influence in the planetary system. Along the sides are carvings of the other planets, each representing specific traits that are believed to shape personality, determine destiny, and govern different aspects of life.

Visitors can study these figures to see how traditional Thai cosmology connects planetary positions with human character and fate.

Sunday/ Sun, Monday/Moon, Tuesday/Mars

Wednesday/Mercury, Thursday/ Jupiter, Friday/Venus, Saturday/ Saturn

Panels on the sides:

Further along, panels line both sides of the hall, depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. Beneath each panel, there is an inscription explaining the scene along with its philosophical meaning, offering visitors insights into the teachings and moral lessons embedded in these stories.

Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to protect his people: Offering proactive kindness to those in need.

Lord Krishna defeats Kaliya Naga: a great leader devotes himself to protect others

Kaliya, the Naga

Kaliya was a massive naga who lived in the waters of the Yamuna River. His venom was so potent that the river turned dark blue with poison, and no aquatic life could survive there.

One day, while Krishna was playing with his friends, a ball fell into the river. Terrified of Kaliya, no one dared to retrieve it. Krishna bravely jumped into the river, confronted the naga, and was about to kill him.

However, Kaliya pleaded for mercy, promising to leave the river with his family and move elsewhere. Showing compassion, Krishna spared the naga’s life, and Kaliya and his family relocated peacefully, restoring balance to the river.

Krishna defeats demon Trinavarta to protect Yashoda, his foster mother: Protection of family is the most important thing

Trinavarta, the Whirlwind Demon

Trinavarta, a whirlwind demon, was sent by Kansa, Krishna’s maternal uncle, to kill the baby Krishna. As the demon lifted Krishna into the sky, the child suddenly became so heavy that Trinavarta could not carry him. The demon fell to the ground and died under Krishna’s miraculous weight.

Meanwhile, Yashoda, Krishna’s mother, lost consciousness in fear when she could not find her child.

Krishna dance with gopis

Radha and Krishna dance

Lord Krishna listening to each Gopi: A great leader treats people without favoritsm

Lord Krishna steals gopis clothes to teach them that it is unsafe for women to bathe in river: Follow the social norms

Standing sculptures around the hall:

Many life size sculptures stand around the central hall.

Wirupak or Thao Wirupak

There are four Heavenly Kings or Lokapalas who protect the world. They reside in the mythological Sumeru mountain. A specific Lokapala takes care of a specific direction.

• Dhrtarastra is the guardian of east direction.
• Virudhaka takes care of the south.
• Virupaksha is responsible for west direction
• Vaishravana is the guardian of north.

The Mother Earth or Vasundhara or Dharini or Phra Mae Thorani

Buddha’s Temptation by Mara

Before attaining enlightenment, Buddha was tempted by Mara, the demon, who sought to prevent him from achieving spiritual awakening.

At that moment, Mother Earth became a witness to Buddha’s enlightenment. She wrung her hair, releasing water that washed away Mara’s temptations, allowing Buddha to remain steadfast and attain Nirvana.

This scene symbolizes the triumph of inner strength and truth over distraction and illusion.

Half finished image of Vishnu

East of central hall:

Parental Love Panel

This carving depicts a couple with children in their lap, symbolizing the foundations of love within the family. It teaches that parents are our creators, and that love begins at home.

The panel emphasizes the selfless love of parents and serves as a reminder to honor and be grateful for their sacrifices and care throughout our lives.

ceiling

                          

Western side of hall:

This side of the hall has images of gods of four elements: earth, air, water and fire. These are the source of everything in our life. Lord Shiva controls all these elements.

entrance from western side

Vishnu standing on Garuda

God of fire or Agni

Varuna or God of water governs all water bodies.

God of wind or Vayu represents our breath

God of Earth or Bhumi

Gods who rule the four elements:

Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva control the four elements and bring a balance between all these.

Lord Vishnu

Lord Shiva

Goddess Lakshmi and Brahma

Sculptures near the ceiling:

Plenty of images are placed near the ceiling around the central hall.

Goddess Sarawati, the Goddess of knowledge, music learning

Lord Ganesha and Narsimha Avatar

Lord Ganesha

Narsimha

Narasimha Avatar

Narasimha is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Prahalad, a devoted follower of Vishnu, was hated by his father, Hiranyakashipu, who could not tolerate his son’s devotion. Hiranyakashipu had received a boon that he could not be killed by any weapon, by any person, or during day or night.

To protect Prahalad and uphold dharma, Lord Vishnu took the form of Narasimha, a half-human, half-lion being, and killed Hiranyakashipu with his claws. The event occurred at dusk in the porch of the palace, a place that was neither fully inside nor outside, perfectly bypassing the conditions of the boon.

This story highlights devotion, divine protection, and the triumph of good over evil.

Lord Vishnu

Once the guided tour is over, it’s a great idea to wander around the sanctuary at your own pace and explore areas or details you may have missed during the guided walk.

Opening hours: the sanctuary is open on all days from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There are especial evening shows.

Entrance fee: 500 THB for adults and 250 THB for children

Dress code: Though this place is not a temple, but since the images inside the hall are pious, it is requested to dress modestly.

No sleeveless dress for women or tank tops. Dress to cover knees and shoulders.