Ayutthaya Historical Park - Ayutthaya

The Ayutthaya historical park (Thai: อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์พระนครศรีอยุธยา) covers the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, Thailand, which was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of the country until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767. Ayutthaya Historical Park is the most important tourist site for Thailand tourism outside Bangkok in Central Thailand. Ayutthaya is a one hour drive north from Bangkok.

In 1969 the Fine Arts Department began with renovations of the ruins, which became more serious after it was declared a historical park in 1976. The park was declared a UNESCO World heritage site in 1991. According to "Tourism Asia", thirty-three monarchs including King Rama IV governed from Ayutthaya.

Ayutthaya is important as it was the center of the Ayutthaya Kingdom for 417 years, the creative center for the Ayutthaya style of art, the defining kingdom in Southeast Asia and the start for the subsequent Bangkok Empire which was later founded by the survivors of the Burmese sacking.

To understand Ayutthaya one needs to understand the belief systems, the role of personalities including foreigners, the role of rivers and the canal system, the role of elephants and guns in warfare, the places of cultural heritage, the strengths and weaknesses of Kings and other royal and noble members in Siam society and the role of foreign communities from Japan, the muslim world, Portugal, France, Holland and Britain. Well informed with a sense of history, events and people a trip to Ayutthaya is well worth while.

When taking tours be careful to insist on giving enough time to see these important sites and not be diverted with time wasting diversions. To see everything requires several days. If you seek to see it all in one day a private tour or taxi is needed with an early start. Ayutthaya was an international trading center in Southeast Asia and a visit to the ruins, temples and monuments today will be greatly enhanced by prior reading about the characters who shaped Ayutthaya, their belief systems and fate in history.

This is a very exotic period in Thai history when Kings and their subjects believed Kings were gods, when the Catholic Church from France sought to change Siamese Buddhist minds, when Portuguese traders controlled trade and Portuguese mercenaries influenced war selling their modern methods of warfare and when Asian feudal Kings played war between themselves and with other lives as a game of egos and adventure.

Today, this historic city is a home to numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by Chao Phraya River, Pa Sak River and Lopburi River. Ayutthaya historical park sites include;

• Wat Mahathat
• Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
• Wat Chaiwatthanaram
• Wat Ratchaburana
• Wat Phra Ram
• Viharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit
• Wat Lokayasutharam
• Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
• Wat Phanan Choeng
• Wat Phu Khao Thong
• Phra Chedi Suriyothai
• Ayutthaya historical Study Centre
• Japanese Settlement
• Elephant Camp

Japanese village (Thai: หมู่บ้านญี่ปุ่น): Memorial Site of the Old Japanese Settlement in Ayutthaya.

Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand for 417 years from B.E.1893 (A.D.1350) to B.E.2310 (A.D.1767). During this period, in the second half of the 16th Century, foreigners began to come to the Kingdom and gradually in number. These foreigners were traders, missionaries, and some were engaged as volunteer guards of the King. Japanese trade aboard was also boosted when the Japanese Authorities granted official permission to travel for trading purposes by issuing the "Shuin" (Red Seal). Along with the official ships bearing the seal, unauthorized ships also sailed to South East Asia with many Japanese. Among the travelers were those who came to Ayutthaya. The King granted permission to the Japanese, as well as other nationalities, to settle. At that time there were 800 to 3,000 Japanese reported to be living in Ayutthaya.

There's nothing left of the Japanese Settlement, so instead, the Japanese government decided to create a Japanese-style park at the location of where the Japanese Settlement probably must have been. The Ayutthaya Historical Study Center started a branch here, a museum about Ayutthaya's foreign relations with Japan and other countries. It starts with an interesting movie of about 15 minutes and then you can explore the museum on your own. It's about all the trading nations that visited this city. Very interesting and definitely gives a good background of the city's history.

Ayutthaya Elephant Camp provides elephant ride attractions. Visitors can ride the friendly and noble animal and traverse the same roads where former kings once walked. The Camp is dedicated to the preservation and welfare of domestic elephants which are paramount to Thailand’s history spanning over 5000 years. The Royal Elephant Kraal has been restored which was once a prime elephant hub from early 1350 to 1900s.

It is home to over hundred elephants where they receive utmost care with a help of expertly designed health system. The Camp encourages tourists for an ‘up close and personal’ experience with Elephants. This includes tons of information and plenty of riding over the course of the stay. A 3-hour trek includes an adventurous tour within the historic Ayutthaya city and lessons on giving instruction to your elephant.

They are provided with a chance to be a ‘mahout’ and get to know a single elephant. Visitors can either rent a tent or experience an authentic Thai style, living side-by-side with elephants or else can opt for a modern style of living. They can even choose to bathe the elephant in the Lobpuri River.

Elephant Kraal Pavilion (Paniat, Thai: พะเนียด). In the old time wild elephants were searched and chased into the "paniat". This Pavilion was utilized as the royal seat to witness the elephant round up. It is located 4 km. northeast of the town along Highway No. 309. The outlook is a big cage surrounded with logs having, from the front centre, fencing lines of 45 degrees spread out to both sides far away into the jungle area.

Ayutthaya Historical Study Center, Rojana Rd (Rotchana Rd). Interesting museum about the history of Ayutthaya. It's best to visit this museum before heading out elsewhere, as it places the remains into a historical perspective. A big part of the museum is dedicated to Siam's relations with other peoples, but village life, art and culture are also dealt with.

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Most treasures of Ayutthaya were stolen, burnt and melted by armies or treasure hunters. Some pieces survived though and are exhibited at this museum. Most of the riches are golden statues found at Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Mahathat.

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayutthaya_Historical_Park, 
http://www.bangkoksite.com/AyutthayaPage

Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Ayutthaya_historical_park

Wat Chaiwatthanaram - Ayutthaya

Wat Chaiwatthanaram (Thai: วัดไชยวัฒนาราม) is a Buddhist temple in the city of Ayutthaya, Thailand, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, outside Ayutthaya island. It is one of Ayutthaya's most well known temples and a major tourist attraction.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram lies on the west bank of Chao Phraya River, south west of the old city of Ayutthaya. It is a large compound and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It can be reached by road or by boat.

History

The temple was constructed in 1630 by the king Prasat Thong as the first temple of his reign, as a memorial of his mother's resident in that area. The temple's name literally means the Temple of long reign and glorious era. It was designed in Khmer style which was popular in that time. It has a central 35 meter high prang in Khmer style (Thai: พระปรางค์ประธาน) with four smaller prangs. The whole construction stands on a rectangular platform. About halfway up there are hidden entrances, to which steep stairs lead.

The central platform is surrounded by eight chedi-shaped chapels (Thai: เมรุทิศ เมรุราย - Meru Thit Meru Rai), which are connected by a rectangular cross-shaped passage (Phra Rabieng). The passage had numerous side entries and was originally roofed and open inwards, but today only the foundations of the pillars and the outside wall still stand. Along the wall, there were 120 sitting Buddha statues, probably painted in black and gold.

The eight chedi-like chapels are formed in a unique way. They had paintings on the interior walls, the exterior ones decorated by 12 reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Buddha (Jataka), which must be "read" clockwise. Just fragments of the paintings and the reliefs survived. In each of the rectangular chedis were two sitting Buddha statues and in each of the four middle chedis was one big sitting Buddha statue, also lacquered in black and gold. The ceiling over those statues was of wood with golden stars on black lacquer.

Outside of the passages on the east, close to the river was the temple's ordination hall (Phra Ubosot). North and south from the Ubusot stood two chedis with "12 indented corners", in which the ashes of the king's mother were laid. After the total destruction of the old capital (Thai: กรุงเก่า - Krung Kao) by the Burmese in 1767, from which Wat Chai Watthanaram was not spared, the temple was deserted. Theft, sale of bricks from the ruins and the beheading of the Buddha statues were common. Only in 1987 did the Thai Department of Fine Arts start restoring the site. In 1992 it was opened to the public.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram was a royal temple where the king and his successors performed religious ceremonies. Princes and princess were cremated here, including King Boromakot's son Chaofa Thammathibet (เจ้าฟ้าธรรมาธิเบศร).

The Wat Chaiwatthanaram structure reflects the Buddhist world view, as it is described already in the Traiphum Phra Ruang, the "three worlds of the King Ruang", of the 14th century: The big "Prang Prathan" that stands in the centre symbolizes the mountain Meru (Thai: เขาพระสุเมรุ - Khao Phra Sumen), which consists the central axis of the traditional world (Kamaphum - กามภูมิ). Around it lie the four continents (the four small Prangs) that swim in the four directions in the world sea (นทีสีทันดร). On one of the continents, the Chomphutawip (ชมพูทวีป), the humans live. The rectangular passage is the outer border of the world, the "Iron Mountains" (กำแพงจักรวาล).

The ancient city of Ayutthaya, or Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, The Thai capital for 417 years, is one of Thailand's major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong when the Thais were forced southwards by northern neighbours. During the period of Ayutthaya being the Thai capital, 33 Kings of different dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Chaiwatthanaram

Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wat_Chaiwatthanaram

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet - Ayutthaya

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet (Thai: วัดพระศรีสรรเพชญ์) is situated on the City Island in Ayutthaya’s World Heritage Park in Pratuchai sub-district. It has been registered as a national historic site by the Fine Arts Department since 5 March 1935. This monastery was the most important temple of Ayutthaya and situated within the Royal Palace grounds. It served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.

In 1350, Prince U-Thong ordered a palace built in an area called Nong Sano, actual the area in the vicinity of Bueng Phra Ram. The palace contained three wooden buildings named "Phaithun Maha Prasat", "Phaichayon Maha Prasat", and "Aisawan Maha Prasat". Upon finalization of the palace in 1351, he established Ayutthaya as his capital and was bestowed the title of King Ramathibodi I. The original size of the old palace compound is believed to be the same as the area of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet today.

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, being part of the royal palace, was exclusively used by the Ayutthayan Kings. No clergy was allowed to reside on the grounds, with exception of an occasionally invitation to pray and to perform ceremonies such as the taking of an oath of allegiance for royal officers and for preaching and merit-making by the King. The expansion of the temple caused the moving of the Buddhist center from Wat Mahathat to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet.

In 1499, a principal viharn was built. The following year, in 1500 A.D. King Ramathibodi II commanded the casting of a standing Buddha image 16 meters high and covered with gold. This image, Phra Buddha Chao Sri Sanphet was the main object of veneration in the royal viharn (hall of worship). After that time the ashes of members of the royal family other than the kings were placed in small chedis constructed at the site.

The temple enshrined also the Phra Buddha Lokanat (Protector of the World) and the Phra Buddha Palelai. The third chedi was built by King Boromracha IV (r. 1529-1533) to house the remains of King Ramathibodi II. The Greek cross-shaped viharn at the west side of the temple was added during the reign of King Narai. It is not clear if the square mondop structures adjacent to the chedi were built around this time or later. On the eve of the Burmese invasion, the central portion of the temple included three gilded chedis, three gilded mondops (square buildings adjacent to the chedis that held objects of worship), and two very large viharns.

When Ayutthaya fell in April 1767, the Burmese sacked and burned the monastery to the ground. All but the chedis were completely destroyed. Buddha images were taken away and from the larger ones, the gold was melted. The Buddha image Phra Palelai in the southern chapel was completely destroyed.

The monastic structures in Wat Phra Sri Sanphet were basically straight aligned on an east-west axis. The main entity was formed by the prasat, the three chedis with their mandapas, and the Royal vihara or chapel presiding over all structures.

The three chedis, being the core of the temple, rested on a high platform with the later built mandapas (square structures with a spire) situated at the eastern side of each chedi. The elevated platform was surrounded by a walled gallery, running from the Westside of the Royal chapel towards the eastern portico of the prasat, a cruciform structure.

During his reign King Rama I (1782 -1809 A.D.) of the Ratanakosin Period ordered the transfer of the inner core of Phra Buddha Chao Sri Sanphet from Ayutthaya to Wat Phra Chetuphon in Bangkok, and had it placed in a chedi specially built for the purpose. Another Buddha image of importance called Phra Buddha Lokanat was also brought to this wat at about the same time.

Source: http://www.ayutthaya-history.com
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wat_Phra_Si_Sanphet

Wat Mahathat - Ayutthaya

Wat Mahathat (Thai: วัดมหาธาตุ) or the “Monastery of the Great Relic” is located on the City Island in the central area of Ayutthaya at Tambon Tha Wasukri. The temple is situated on the corner of the present Chikun Road and Naresuan Road. The monastery stood on the west bank of Khlong Pratu Khao Pluak, an important canal, which has been filled up somewhere in the early 20th century. In ancient times the temple was likely fully surrounded by canals and moats. The structure has been registered as a national historic site by the Fine Arts Department on 8 March 1935 and is part of the Ayutthaya World Heritage Historical Park.

Wat Mahathat was one of the most important monasteries of the Ayutthaya kingdom, not only because it was the religious centre and enshrined relics of the Buddha, but also because of its proximity to the Grand Palace. It was a royal monastery and the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of the City Dwelling sect till the end of the Ayutthaya period - at par with the Supreme Patriarch of the Forest Dwelling sect, which had its seat at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon (called Wat Pa Kaew in earlier times).

Wat Mahathat was restored again in King Borommakot’s reign (r. 1733-1758). Four porticos were added to the prang, which was restored at the same time as the royal vihara and the ordination hall. No evidence of restoration of the monastery could be found after. Obviously chedis, prangs, and viharns were added on several occasions in time. At the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, the monastery was set on fire in the Burmese attack.

Wat Mahathat housed before an unusual Buddha image of green stone believed to be made in the Dvaravati style (Mon) dating from 707 - 757 AD. A governor of Ayutthaya got this statue moved to Wat Na Phra Men during the reign of King Rama III, where it still resides in a small viharn next to the ubosot. The main prang of Wat Mahathat survived until the reign of King Rama V. On 25 May, 1904, the main prang collapsed at the level of the niche. The prang fell further apart in 1911 during the reign of King Rama VI. The Fine Arts Department restored it partially. The symmetrical base with staircases on the four sides is all what remains of the once majestic prang.

Wat Mahathat was certainly not exempted from looting. From its destruction in 1767 until its restoration by the FAD last century, the temple has been prone of severe looting and damage by illegal excavation. Wat Mahathat as Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phutthaisawan and the later built Wat Rachaburana follows the Khmer concept of temple construction. We find nearly identical, but earlier built structures at Angkor. Phnom Bakheng, Preah Rup, East Mebon, Baphuon and Ta Keo were all Temple Mountains, consisting of a central tower surrounded by four corner towers, forming a quincunx, the latter also often was surrounded by a courtyard and a gallery.

All temples in the early period of the establishment of Ayutthaya were clearly Khmer styled, consisting primary of laterite structures (instead of sandstone) and bricks, enhanced with stucco. Wat Mahathat consisted basically of a large central prang surrounded by four subsidiary prangs at the four inter-cardinal points, standing on a raised square platform. The quincunx was surrounded by a courtyard and a roofed gallery, lined with a row of Buddha images. Typically for the Ayutthaya period is that often the gallery was penetrated by a monastic structure, being an ordination or an assembly hall, or even sometimes both. An exception to this was Wat Phutthaisawan.

The principal prang of Wat Mahathat was constructed of laterite at the base. The top part of the stupa was of brick and mortar. Brick work at the four sides of the base indicates that the prang had porches in the cardinal directions, a feature not used in the Early Ayutthaya period (1351 - 1491). These porches could be reached by a staircase. Historians believe that these porches were added during the renovation of the temple done in 1633 during King Prasat Thong’s reign. Mural paintings of Buddhas in the different postures were found inside the prang. The prang stood until the beginning of the 20th century, but finally the brick part collapsed as unfortunately no preserving had been done since the fall of the city in 1767. Fifty years after its collapse a crypt was found containing relics of the Buddha inside the stupa.

The Viharn Luang or the Royal Assembly Hall of Wat Mahathat stood east of the prang, orientated towards Khlong Pratu Khao Pluak. The rectangular structure was quite large, measuring 40 m by 20 m. The vihara had a front porch (east) which could be reached by tree staircases. There was also an entry into the hall from both sides. Behind the main pedestal were two exits leading down to the gallery. The multi-tiered roof of the viharn was supported by two rows of columns. The hall contained mural paintings of the Vessantara Jataka. Viharn Luang has undergone several restorations in the past as well as in recent times.

During the reign of King Rama VI in the Rattanakosin period, about 1911 A.D., the main prang of the wat collapsed again and looters seized the opportunity to dig for treasure. Only in 1956 A.D. did the Fine Arts Department undertake excavations around the central area of the prang where the relics must have been kept. The relics of the Buddha were found in the stupa within a seven layer reliquary. Other antiquities were recovered as well, including Buddha images, votive tables, covered boxes shaped like fish and golden plaques in the form of animals. All these objects are now at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.

Source: http://www.ayutthaya-history.com
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wat_Mahathat_(Ayutthaya)

Wat Rachaburana - Ayutthaya

Wat Rachaburana (Thai: วัดราชบูรณะ) - also called the Monastery of the Royal Repairs or the Monastery of the Royal Restoration - is located on the city island in the central area of Ayutthaya at Tambon Tha Wasukri. The temple is situated on the corner of the present Chikun Road and Naresuan Road, just opposite Wat Mahathat in the vicinity of the former Pa Than bridge.The monastery stood on the west bank of Khlong Pratu Khao Pluak, an important canal, which has been filled up somewhere in the early 20th century. In ancient times the temple was likely fully surrounded by a moat. The structure has been registered as a national historic site by the Fine Arts Department on 8 March 1935 and is part of the Ayutthaya World Heritage Historical Park.

Wat Rachaburana at par with Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phutthai Sawan and Wat Mahathat, followed the Khmer concept of temple construction, and are as thus very similar to each other. We find nearly identical, but earlier built structures at Angkor. Phnom Bakheng, Preah Rup, East Mebon, Baphuon and Ta Keo were all Temple Mountains, consisting of a central tower surrounded by four corner towers, forming a quincunx; the latter also often was surrounded by a courtyard and a gallery. All temples in the early period of the establishment of Ayutthaya were Khmer styled, consisting primary of laterite structures and bricks, enhanced with stucco.

Wat Rachaburana was initially built as a basic quincunx surrounded by a covered gallery. At a later stage the monastic structure was expanded with a vihara and ubosot in an east-west axis. The vihara became partly incorporated into the gallery, while the ordination hall stood isolated on the western side. The monastery was surrounded by water, a symbolic representation of the oceans surrounding Mount Meru (represented by the prang). The complex faced Khlong Pratu Khao Pluak to its east and another Lopburi oxbow shortcut canal to the west (name not known by author).

Only the walls and foundations remain of the royal vihara. The main entry was in the east, leading to an elevated porch. The structure could also be accessed by different entries on the sides. The walls were windowless, having vertical slit openings, bringing ventilation and providing at the same time a diffused light into the inside. The vihara had a wooden multi-tiered roof structure, which collapsed (burned down). The eaves were supported by pillars with a lotus motif.

The ubosot or ordination hall stood in the west, isolated from the gallery. The hall was accessed via an elevated porch. There were two entries in the west and two in the rear, one on each lateral side.

The prang of Wat Rachaburana was still in fairly good condition and could be restored. The prang, representing the cosmic Mount Meru, is located in the middle of the ancient compound and is built on an indented pedestal protruding towards the north and south, resulting in a wing-like formation, which was characteristic for prangs of the early Ayutthaya period. The “cella” or central small hall inside the prang containing the crypt, can be accessed through a porch directed towards the east, by climbing the steep stairs leading to the entry of the porch. The prang has three staircases on the east, north and south side. Over the cubic “cella” rises the central tower, the bud-shaped prang. The “cella” housed a Buddha image. On the lowest level of the top-part of the prang are decorated Garuda and Naga sculptures still visible.

In 1958 excavation and restoration of Wat Rachaburana by Fine Arts Department finally began. A number of bronze Buddha images, precious stones, many golden artifacts, including royal regalia, miniature utensils and numerous votive tablets were found in the crypt.

The recuperated treasures of Wat Rachaburana were displayed at - a special built for the occasion - Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, named after the third son of King Intharacha. The national museum was inaugurated on 26 Dec 1961 and displayed next to the excavated objects of Wat Rachaburana also the excavated objects from Wat Mahathat and other important temples. The proceeds from the sale of some of the votive tablets found at Wat Rachaburana was used to fund the construction of the museum. The temple is certainly worthwhile a visit, in combination with Wat Mahathat and the Chao Sam Phraya Museum.

Source: http://www.ayutthaya-history.com
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wat_Ratchaburana_(Ayutthaya)

Viharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit - Ayutthaya

Viharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit (Thai: วิหารพระมงคลบพิตร) is located on the City Island within Ayutthaya Historical Park and situated south of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and the Grand Palace. It hosts a huge Buddha image, harking back to the 15th century. The image was restored many times and is highly regarded by the Buddhist visitors.

Phra Mongkhon Bophit (Thai: พระมงคลบพิตร) or the “Buddha of the Holy and Supremely Auspicious Reverence” was sculpted in 1538 in the reign of King Chairacha (r. 1534-1547) at Wat Chi Chiang Sai. 1538 is generally accepted as the year that the image was built, based on the Luang Prasoet version of the Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya (Most of the other versions put its construction at 880 of the Chulasakkarat era or somehow 20 years earlier).

As at the beginning of the reign of King Songtham (r. 1610/1611-1628), Wat Chi Chiang laid in ruins, hit by lightening, the king had the large bronze cast Buddha image moved westwards and had a mandapa (mondop or square roofed structure) built over the structure to house it. Although the timing of the move of the Buddha image Phra Mongkhon Bopit can be discussed.

The vihara and the image were badly destroyed by fire during the fall of Ayutthaya in April 1767. The roof of the vihara was damaged and the head and the right arm of the image were broken.

Restoration of the Buddha image - in which the broken head and right arm were repaired by Phraya Boran Rachathanin - took place in 1920 (reign of King Rama VI). In 1931 another restoration took place with the financial support of Khunying Amares Sombat.

During restoration works on the statue in 1955, a quantity of Buddha images were found on the left shoulder of Phra Mongkhon Bophit. These images can now be seen at the Chao Sam Phraya National museum.

The Prime Minister of Burma on official visit in Ayutthaya in 1956 gave a donation for the restoration of the vihara. The vihara was finalised in 1957, but not with the same beautiful craftsmanship of the former one. The statue of Phra Mongkhon Bophit was covered with gold leaf in 1992 by the “Mongkhon Bophit Foundation” in celebration of the 60th birthday of H.M. Queen Sirikit.

Phra Mongkhon Bophit is one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand with its measures of (approx.) 9.5 meters across the lap and a height of 12.5 meters (without the pedestal). The Buddha image is seated in the position of Subduing Mara.

Source: http://www.ayutthaya-history.com
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wihan_Phra_Mongkhon_Bophit

Wat Phra Ram - Ayutthaya

Wat Phra Ram (Thai: วัดพระราม) is famous for its chedis and the towering prang. Although in ruins today, the remaining stucco work provides testimony to the rich work done on the monument. Wat Phra Ram is a restored ruin located in the Historical Park of Ayutthaya in Pratu situated close to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet in a swampy area called Bueng Phra Ram.

This temple consists of one huge prang and some smaller chedi and outbuildings, all in disrepair though the top of the prang is complete. Staircases to the side of the prang give views of Ayutthaya. A big lagoon is in front of this monastery. Its original name was "Nong Sano", it was changed to be "Bueng Phra Ram" or currently Phra Ram Public Park.

The monastery was constructed on the cremation site of the first Ayutthayan monarch, King Ramathibodi I (r. 1351-1369). The exact time of its construction is not known as the various Chronicles of Ayutthaya give different timings of its construction. The oldest version, the Luang Prasoet, written during the Late Ayutthayan era, states its establishment in 1369. Later versions written in the post-Ayutthayan era put its construction in the year 1434, after the death of Borom-maracha II (r. 1424-1448) and the throne ascending of King Borom-matrailokanat (r. Ayutthaya 1448-1463 /r. Phitsanulok 1463 -1488), somehow 65 year later.

Wat Phra Ram as Wat Mahathat, Wat Phutthai Sawan and the later built Wat Rachaburana follows the Khmer concept of temple construction. We find nearly identical, but earlier built structures at Angkor. Phnom Bakheng, Preah Rup, East Mebon, Baphuon and Ta Keo were all Temple Mountains, consisting of a central tower surrounded by four corner towers, forming a quincunx, the latter also often was surrounded by a courtyard and a gallery.

Artifacts were found during excavations in the second half of the fifties in the crypt of Wat Phra Ram. Some are at display in the Wat Mahathat room of the Chao Sam Phraya Museum. But due to the limited number of findings, the relic chambers of Wat Phra Ram were likely emptied by looters earlier.

Source: http://www.ayutthaya-history.com
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wat_Phra_Ram

Wat Lokaya Sutharam - Ayutthaya

Wat Lokaya Sutharam (Thai: วัดโลกยสุธาราม) is located directly west of the Royal Palace. It is part of a park that includes three restored ruins including Wat Worachet and the original Wat Worapo. It is easiest to access this site via the western side of Khlong Tho. There is a small side alley leading to it as well as a newly constructed road. Wat Lokaya Sutharam can also be accessed from a third road in its southwestern corner, which also serves as a route to Chedi Suriyothai.

Wat Lokaya Sutharam is a massive temple ruin. It is aligned toward an east/west axis. There are two small chedi outside of its compound, and a portion of the spire of a third chedi is still in situ. These are all in a late-Ayutthaya period style. The monastery itself has been heavily restored, including floor tiles and brick floors throughout. Most of the temple exists only at the basic foundation level. This includes some stubs of pillars and basic walls. At the eastern entrance are the remnants of three viharns. Behind these sermon halls is a large 30 meters high, late-Ayutthaya period, Khmer-style prang (Kasetsiri & Wright 92). This prang-tower has a hollow entrance on its eastern side. The remains of an ubosot can be seen behind the prang. Only the basic foundation layer has survived, but there are many sema stones and the detritus of Buddha images. A large bell tower stands on the southwestern corner of this ubosot.

The highlight of this temple is its enormous Reclining Buddha image, which is located behind the ubosot. It was once encased by a viharn, but that has also collapsed to the basic foundation level. The Reclining Buddha is 42 meters in length and 8 meters high, and its name is "Phra Buddha Sai Yat" (Thai: พระพุทธไสยาสน์). The reclining Buddha image is aligned to a north/south axis, and it is facing west. All the Buddha’s toes are of equal lengths. The arm supporting the head is vertical, instead of being folded as in the early Ayutthaya and U-Thong periods. This vertical arm is a characteristic of reclining images made in the middle Ayutthaya period - after the 16th century (Amatyakul 47). The reclining Buddha image is usually wrapped in brightly colored orange cloth. A small altar exists beside it where visitors can make offerings. Many people have covered portions of the image in gold leaf.

There is an interesting Lanna-style chedi northwest of the reclining Buddha image. This non-restored chedi is often buried in heavy vegetation, so it may be difficult to see. Nevertheless, it is one of the most amazing sights at this temple ruin. This chedi has an octagonal base, and it takes an almost prang-like shape. However, the stucco is very well preserved. There are a large number of arched niches built around the relic chamber. Many of these niches still have standing Buddha images formed from stucco (including their heads). There are also several meditating Buddha images near the spire. These are also fairly well preserved. This type of architectural is sometimes associated with the Haripunchai Kingdom in Lamphun - implying that this monastery may have provided services to be people from the north.

There was once a canal leading from Chao Phraya River to the Royal Palace, which passed by Wat Lokaya Sutharam. Although the canals ancient name is unclear, on some modern maps it is referred to as Klong Fang. This canal formed a moat around Wat Lokaya Sutharam, and its connection to the Royal Palace implies that this monastery once had great importance. However, despite its massive size and prime location, there isn’t much known about the history of Wat Lokaya Sutharam.

The reclining Buddha image was restored in 1954 by the Alcoholic Beverages Factory (once located in the same neighborhood). It was restored again in 1956 during the time of Field Marshall Phibunsongkhram (Kasetsiri & Wright 94-95). This prime minister also did major renovations in the Ayutthaya Historic Park at the same time. In 1989, the family of former Prime Minister Luang Thamrongwasawat (1946-1947) contributed to renovations at this monastery. The Fine Arts department has continued to maintain it since then.

Source: http://www.ayutthaya-history.com
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wat_Lokayasutharam_(Ayutthaya)

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon - Ayutthaya

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon (Thai: วัดใหญ่ชัยมงคล) or the “Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory” is located off the City Island in the southeastern area at present Tambon Phai Ling. In the past it bears other names as Wat Pa Kaeo, Wat Chao Phraya Thai and Wat Yai Chaya Mongkhon. A large Chedi of this Wat can be seen from a far distance. People come to play respect and many tourists are seen here especially during weekends.

The easiest way to reach this active monastery is by turning south at the roundabout chedi on Rojana Road (Wat Sam Plum) along road No 3059. The temple can be easily found at the eastern side of the road. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is situated in a part of the ancient city known as Ayodhya. It is widely believed that a Dvaravati (and Lopburi allied) settlement existed here before King U-Thong established Ayutthaya in 1351.

There are indications that the site was surrounded by a large moat in earlier times. The monastery was accessed before by Khlong (Pak) Khao San, which got its mouth at the new Pa Sak River. There are also traces of an ancient canal east and west of the temple; the latter ran, parallel with Khlong Khao San, also towards the Pa Sak River.

There are seemingly traces from an ancient barrier or water reservoir, close to the southwestern tip of the monastery. It could thus be that Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon has been built on a former important Khmer temple complex - taken also in account the large moat which represented for the Khmer, the oceans that surround the world.

In 1592 King Naresuan (r. 1590-1605) defeated the Burmese Army at Nong Sarai by killing the Burmese Crown Prince in single-handed combat on elephant. In the battle the King and his brother King Ekathotsarot got separated from their army officers. On return to Ayutthaya the King wanted to punish to death his officers, but the Supreme Patriarch intervened and requested the punishment to be suspended; which King Naresuan granted. “The Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya” although, state nothing about the construction of the great chedi. It is assumed that, on this occasion, King Naresuan ordered the restoration and enlargement of the temple and the principal chedi. The chedi was named Phra Chedi Chaya Mongkhon. Presumably this celebration gave rise to the temple’s new name, Wat Yai Chaya Mongkhon - The Great Temple of Auspicious Victory.

The Phraya of Tak (the later King Taksin) was promoted to Phraya Kamphaeng Phet by the Siamese King Suriyamin (Ekathat) and appointed as a brigade commander of a boat army that he had to constitute at this monastery in order to confront the Burmese in the open plains southeast of Ayutthaya end 1766. In 1767 the temple was sacked by the Burmese and the premises deserted. The monastery was re-established and officially recognized in 1957.

Viharn Phra Phuttha Saiyat or the Vihara of the Reclining Buddha was constructed during the reign of King Naresuan. The new image was remodeled in 1965 after the original got ruined by fortune hunters. The statue lies in a north-south position, with its head in southern direction and facing the east.

In 1979 the abbot, Phra Pawanarangsi, in coordination with the Fine Arts Department constructed a new ordination hall on the old remains, maintaining partly the ancient site, so that the original structure remains visible.

The chedi of Wat Yai Chai Monglhon is one of the landmarks of Ayutthaya, standing high, and visible to all, who approach the city from the east, at par with Chedi Phukhao Thong. The bell-shaped principal chedi stands on an elevated square base with smaller chedis at the corners. There is a second octagonal pedestal above the base to accommodate the bell-shaped body. Stairs lead up on the east side towards the first terrace, and continue inwards the dome. Inside the dome we can see the chamber where the relics were contained. Two mondops stand in the front, with their pyramidal upper structures collapsed, exposing the Buddha statues inside.

A rectangular gallery encircles the principal chedi. The gallery is enclosed by an outer wall, which along with the pillars inside, supported before the roof. Presently only the foundations of the pillars can be seen. The floor of the terrace is as usual one step higher than the court. Along the inner wall of the gallery are rows of (newly sculpted) Buddha images on decorated bases.

The ordination hall or ubosot lies east and in the front of the large chedi. The hall measures 16 m by 44 m and has been re-roofed to preserve it from further damage. Phra Phuttha Chaiya Mongkhon in the ordination hall is one of the most sacred Buddha images in Ayutthaya.

At the western side of the great chedi was a large vihara measuring 15 m by 39 m, nearly extending towards the outer boundary wall. In the area around the monastic structures we see more than twenty satellite chedis of various sizes which contain the ashes of former sponsors of this temple.

The area of the monastery has been extended towards the east. A viharn has been built to honor King Naresuan. The present entrance is situated between the monastery and the monk’s living quarters at the northern side.

Source: http://www.ayutthaya-history.com
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wat_Yai_Chai_Mongkon