Phra Pathom Chedi - Nakhon Pathom

Phra Pathom Chedi (Thai: พระปฐมเจดีย์) is the tallest stupa in the world with the height of 127 metres (417 ft). It is located in the town of Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.

The name Phra Pathom Chedi means Holy chedi (stupa) of the beginning. The stupa at the location is first mentioned in Buddhist scriptures of the year 675, however archaeological findings date back to the 4th century. In the 11th century it was overbuilt with a Khmer (Ancient Cambodia) style prang, which was later overgrown by the jungle. The ruin was visited several times by the later King Mongkut during his time as a monk, and after his coronation he ordered the building of a new and more magnificent chedi at the site. After 17 years of construction it was finished in 1870, and the population of nearby Nakhon Chai Si was ordered to move to the newly created town around the chedi.

Introduction as obtained from a signboard

Phra Pathom Chedi is the oldest Buddhist Chedi in Thailand. It is located in the Region where Buddhism was first introduced into Thailand by Sona Thera and Uttra Thera in the 3rd Buddhist Century.The Indian statue style Phra Pathom Chedi which was in ruins for a long time until King Mongkut IV, who went to Phra Pathom Chedi when he was a monk. During that time, the Chedi was 84 metres high. When King Mongkut ascended the throne, he restored the Chedi by building a new one on top of the Chedi. Subsequent structures were added by King Rama VI and King Rama VII. The Chedi now stands in 120metres high and contained the relic of the Lord Buddha. During the 12th lunar month (November), there is an annual fair in the monastery and Buddhists come to pay homage to this holy chedi.

A nearby museum contains a wealth of priceless relics and many of the stone carvings found in and around Nakhon Pathom. At the four points of the compass in the outer courtyard are four Wiharas (halls) containing images of Buddha in various postures.

There is no entry into the stupa itself, which is said to house a relic of the Buddha, but you can circumambulate the stupa in the inner courtyard and admire the giant golden Buddha on the southern side (always packed with worshippers). Also take some time to look around the many smaller temple halls around the chedi. Entrance is theoretically 20 baht, although this is loosely enforced at best.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phra_Pathom_Chedi
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wat_Phra_Pathom_Chedi