Churning of the Milk Ocean.....

This is a wonderful sculpture everybody will see at the Departure Hall in Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. The scene depicted is a famous episode in the "Indian Puranas". This is symbolically celebrated in India as the famous 'Kumbha mela'.

'Indra, the chief of the Devas' upon inadvertently angering a priest was cursed by him thereby made poor. He then approached 'Brahma' who suggested him to obtain the 'nectar of immortality' (Amritha) by churning the milk ocean ('Ksheer Sagara'= Ksheer meaning milk and Sagara meaning Ocean). This mammoth task could not be undertaken by the Devas alone so they took the help of the 'Asuras' also. The mountain 'Mandhara' was used as the pole and 'Vasuki, the chief of Serpents' was used as the rope. The mountain was supported by Lord Vishnu who took the incarnation of 'Kurma' meaning turtle.

Finally they began churning the Ocean and a deadly poison known as "Halahala" popped up. Lord Shiva drank the poison and Goddess Parvathi, his wife squeezed his neck to prevent it from going down. The poison settled at his neck coloring it blue. This gave Lord Shiva the name 'Neela Kanta' meaning one with a blue colored neck.

Theafter so many precious objects emerged during churning. Finally Lord Dhanwanthary appeared with the pot containing the nectar of immortality - the Amritha. There began a dispute between the participating parties and finally Asuras managed to get Amritha from the Devas but Lord Vishnu disguised as a beautiful lady retrieved it from them and passed it to the Devas who attained immortality by drinking it driving the Asuras, the Demons into the dark world.

We can see the Devas and Asuras holding the Serpent's tail and head end respectively on either side. The turtle is also seen. On top of the mountain we see Lord Vishnu.

This is a beautiful and magnificent sculpture which is meant to signify the glory and prosperity of the new modern Airport.

There are many versions to this mythological tale in the epics.
Those who are interested may please search the www and find details.

Vimanmek Palace and Dusit Garden

The Royal Command of H M King Rama V built this magnificent palace in 1900 in Dusit Garden.
This palace is the world's largest golden teakwood mansion. This is a "must see" place if you are visiting Thailand. The palace is situated in a very large landscape and there are many Halls to visit in addition to the main Palace. Should not miss this wonderful place during your visit. Proper attire is required while visiting the Palace, if not you will have to wear the wraparound and shirt available at the Entrance. You need not go back to Hotel to change however. No Cams allowed, even they won't allow Cellphones inside the Palace. The place is considered sacred. We actually feel the sanctity when we get into the serene atmosphere.

Visit to Baiyoke Observation Tower- the tallest building in Thailand

The Baiyoke Hotel Tower is the tallest building in Thailand. Wow...it was really "wow"...visit to this place...
Fantastic views of Bangkok city...views I will never forget...it was a wonderful experience.
After getting a ticket by paying 200 Bahts we can take a high seed lift to the 77th floor initially. Beware...you can become dizzy...I chewed a gum...and it helped though. It is a capsule lift and while going up the views are something to remember always.
Amazing panoramic views...wow...just insert 10 Bahts coin into one of the Telescopes kept over there.
On the 77th floor there are so many exhibits, so many photo opportunities. On the walls you can see so many pics taken in the ancient times...the Royalty, the art, handicrafts etc etc. Simply amazing...These depict the colorful past, the rich culture.
There is a platform there and in front of it there is a small garden where you can snap pics, you just get into the wooden platform from the side. Be careful not to step onto the garden area because it is artificial and may break and there is a heavy fine you will have to pay.
Snap some pics in front of the Bullock cart kept there.
There are numerous wooden elephants,an exhibit of the enormous piling done during the construction of this building, a shop in the olden times recreated etc.
The view from the floor is simply breathtaking. Each directions are well labelled so its easy to find the landmarks.
Snap...snap...snap...take videos...On a clear day it will be simply great to take pics...You can see the Skytrain spiralling on the tracks...far away...
Well...you may not be able to sit on the driving seat of a Tuk-Tuk normally but yes...its possible here...even you can sit on the driving seat of a Cycle Rickshaw...ha...ha...ha...
Thrust your beautiful face into the headspace of the picture over there and click....click...fun...
You can see an ancient Camera also there.
Ok...now we proceed to the 83rd floor where you can sip a free drink of your choice enjoying the view munching popcorn. Come in the evening for an evening filled with music and drinks.
Now just go on to the 84th floor and you are at the revolving deck. It revolves in the evenings only and in the morning you can just be there and snap... snap... snap...amazing views of this beautiful city...
Wonderful...I enjoyed this visit very much...
http://www.baiyokehotel.com