Rising 30 meters above the shoreline near the Gulf of Thailand, the Sanctuary of Truth is a breathtaking all-wooden masterpiece and the largest wooden castle in the world. Built entirely without metal nails, this remarkable structure showcases generations of traditional craftsmanship, with every surface covered in intricate hand-carved wooden sculptures.
More than a monument, the Sanctuary of Truth tells a story. Its carvings blend Thai, Hindu, Buddhist, and Chinese philosophies, reflecting humanity’s relationship with life, nature, and the universe. As you walk through the towering halls and detailed carvings, the sound of the sea and the scent of wood add to the almost spiritual experience. This is a place where art, faith, and culture come together—one that truly leaves a lasting impression on every traveler.
The construction is unlike anything found elsewhere in the world, as wooden components are joined using interlocking wooden joints rather than conventional iron nails.
History:
The structure is often mistaken for a place of worship, but it is in fact a museum. Its theme is inspired by the Himmapan Forest, a legendary forest described in Thai and Hindu mythology, believed to lie at the edge of the Himalayas.
The idea for Prasat Sajja Tham (its Thai name) was conceived in 1981 by Thai businessman Lek Viriyaphan. The sanctuary is an ongoing project and is planned to be completed by 2050.
Lek Viriyaphan was also instrumental in the creation of the Erawan Museum and the Ancient Siam Museum in Samut Prakan, both of which share a similar vision of preserving art, culture, and spiritual philosophy.
ticketing office
blue band on wrist, a proof that you have paid the entrance fees
map of complex
Layout of museum:
Spread across 13 hectares, the sanctuary covers an interior area of approximately 2,115 square meters. The central tower, or spire, rises to a height of about 30 meters.
The museum is built in a cruciform layout. At its heart stands the central tower, surrounded by four halls aligned with the cardinal directions. The central area forms the spiritual core of the sanctuary, where Buddha’s relics are enshrined. Encircling this space are monumental statues of the Hindu Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Looking up toward the roof, one can also see sculptures of Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Ganesha.
North direction:This section represents spiritual development and conveys the lessons humanity must learn, illustrated through various scenes.
South direction:This area depicts the planets and the deities who govern them, symbolizing cosmic order.
East direction:The entrance here emphasizes the importance of parents in our lives. A family scene is displayed, with images of Lek Viriyaphan’s parents in the background.
West direction:This section symbolizes the four fundamental elements—earth, fire, water, and air—along with the gods associated with each element.
Material used for construction:
The entire structure is built using a variety of hardwoods, including golden teak, takien (ironwood), pradu (rosewood), daeng, and teng. These woods are known for their exceptional durability—some are said to last up to 600 years under favorable conditions.
Mai Deang or Redwood has been used extensively to provide structural strength.
Mai Takien, another highly durable hardwood often referred to as ironwood, is used for the internal columns.
The decorative structures all over have been made with Mai Panchaat or Rosewood or Satinwood.
prized for its fine grain and suitability for intricate carving. This wood has extensively been used to give strength to the structure.another wood which is very durable. Called Ironwood, it is used for making columns inside the structure.
The decorative structures all over have been made with Mai Panchaat or Rosewood or Satinwood. This wood has fine grain which makes it an ideal material for carving.
The structure stands beside coastal area which makes any place susceptible to wear and disintegration. Teak wood is water resistant and durable so is used extensively in the construction.
The outside of museum is decorated with Hindu, Buddhist and Chinese mythological figures.
As mentioned earlier no iron nails have been used anywhere, wooden bits join different pieces together.
Material used for construction:
The entire structure is made from gold teak wood, takien or iron wood which is said to last for 600 years, pradu or the rosewood tree, daeng and teng.
Mai Deang or Redwood. This wood has extensively been used to give strength to the structure.
Mai Takien, another wood which is very durable. Called Ironwood, it is used for making columns inside the structure.
The decorative structures all over have been made with Mai Panchaat or Rosewood or Satinwood, prized for its fine grain and suitability for intricate carving.
The sanctuary stands close to the coast, where structures are especially vulnerable to weathering and decay. Teak wood, being naturally water-resistant and long-lasting, is therefore used extensively in the construction.
The exterior of the museum is richly adorned with figures from Hindu, Buddhist, and Chinese mythology. As mentioned earlier, no iron nails have been used anywhere in the structure; instead, precisely crafted wooden joints and pegs hold the entire sanctuary together.
half finished Lord Vishnu and Garuda
workshop exhibits
wooden sculptures in making
model in progress
A guided tour is included in the ticket price. Visitors are taken around in groups, with the guide first explaining the outer walls and then leading the group inside to describe the symbolism and concepts behind the images. The guides are fluent in English, Chinese, and Russian.
After the guided tour concludes, visitors are free to explore the sanctuary on their own and revisit areas they may have missed.
Outer wall of museum:
The outer wall, pillars are all beautifully carved.
Since the project is still ongoing, visitors are given helmets to wear to avoid any possible injuries.
Southern side shows many Hindu deities
the panels below the main carvings show scene from Ramayana
Vishnu sits on Anantnaga, the Naga on which Vishnu rests
Mahishasur Mardini seen on the west side
Center of temple rooftop:
At the very top of the temple roof stands a single figure riding a horse. This figure symbolizes the fulfillment of one’s duties by uniting and harmonizing the teachings and responsibilities represented by the four figures positioned at the four corners of the roof.
person standing in the center of temple roof
On each side of the roof stand carved figures of women, each holding an object in her hands.
On the northern side, the figure carries a lotus, symbolizing spiritual purity and encouraging everyone to practice and uphold religious teachings.
The sculpture on the southern rooftop shows a young girl with a child and also an elderly person.
This signifies our duty towards our elders and family
The above statue on the western rooftop shows a girl with a pigeon on her arm and rice stalks in the other. It symbolizes that we need to keep our land fertile.
The sides of the sanctuary are organized around distinct philosophical themes, representing Hinduism, Taoism, and Confucianism, reflecting the shared ethical foundations of these traditions.
Huge 4-sided Brahma:
One of the most striking sculptures at the center of the sanctuary is a massive four-faced image of Brahma. Brahma, the creator and a member of the Hindu Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—is depicted with four heads symbolizing the four Vedas.
These four faces also represent the four universal virtues—compassion, empathy, joy, and equality—which serve as guiding principles for human conduct.
entrance to museum
Vishnu on Garuda
4-faced Brahma, Indra in front with a thunderbolt in his hand
Indra sits on elephant on this side of entrance
Indra
Near the entrance stands a gigantic four-faced image of Brahma. On closer observation, Vishnu can be seen seated astride Garuda above Brahma. Indra is depicted riding a three-headed elephant, holding a thunderbolt and a mace in his hands, symbolizing his role as the king of the gods and the deity of storms.
elephants hold garland on this side
Gulf of Thailand in front of structure
entrance to hall
Vishnu on his mount, Garuda
On one side are huge sculptures based on Taoism and Confucianism.
Hindu influence:
Another side of sanctuary has sculptors influenced by Hinduism. You need to take time and identify the figures.
Rama, Sita and Lakshman, influenced by Ramayana
Lord Krishna on five horses which represent our five senses: touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing. The reins are the mind which can be controlled if you follow the path of God.
Vishnu on Anantnaga, the serpent on whom Lord Vishnu always reclined
Lord Krishna
Hanuman with Lakshman, when the latter became unconscious
Mahishasur Mardini, the form of Goddess Durga who killed Mahishasur, a demon.
Buddhist influence:
Images of Buddha can be seen at places.
On one side is a huge gong. This is something one sees in all active wats. It is struck when it is time for any ritual practice.
Once outside, one is tempted to grab something to eat. Rowing or elephant ride is also an option. Though I feel it is very cruel of us humans to put our weight on these mute animals. The animals are not treated well and are mostly old who are not capable of any work.
Mythological animals on the outer wall of sanctuary:
Garuda
Though the sanctuary is still in the process of construction, it is worth a visit.
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