BANGKOK : Attraction
The Giant Swing is located in front of Wat Suthat Thepwararam on Bamrung Mueang Road, Phra Nakhon District. This religious structure of Bangkok was originally constructed in 1784 and was proclaimed as the national historical site since 1949. With 21-metre height, painted in red color and the unique structure of wooden pillars it has become one of the symbols of Bangkok.
History has it that in 1784 after the King Rama I had completed the settlement of Bangkok, he ordered the construction of Brahmin church and the Giant Swing on Bamrung Mueang Road, on the way to Dinso Road. Then, during the reign of King Rama V, it was relocated to Bamrung Mueang Road at its present location. There have been two major renovations of the Giant Swing. In 1920 during the reign of King Rama VI, Louis T. Leonowens, the wood trader donated teakwood of reconstruction of new Giant Swing. Then, in 1970, there was another renovation but the architectural style remained the same. The last reconstruction took place in 2006 using the golden teakwood from Phrae Province.
In the past, the Giant Swing was used in the Tri-Yampawai, the Brahmin religious ceremony. The rite was performed as to pay homage to Shiva God as to commemorate the God’s annual visit to the earth. The ceremony was finally cancelled in 1935 during the reign of King Rama VII.
Nearby Places/ Attractions: Wat Suthat, Democracy Monument, Golden Mountain
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