Situated in front of the Grand Palace in central Bangkok, this 60m temple was originally constructed for the cremation of King Mongkut (r. 1851 68) who died of malaria after a trip to Prachuap Khiri Khan province to witness a total solar eclipse. Known as Mount Meru, after the sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, to symbolise the king's divinity, the temple was decorated in gold and mirror glass, and surrounded by eight spired chedis marking the eight points on the compass. Behind the temple, one can see Wat Mahathat and the Chao Phraya River. This photograph was taken from the tower of the Ministry of Justice.