Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit Ayutthaya Thailand

Planning to visit Ayutthaya Historical Park? In my travel blog I take you on a journey to explore one of the most magnificent temples in Thailand – Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit in Ayutthaya. This temple is home to one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand.

However, its history is not without tragedy, as it has been struck by lightning and destroyed multiple times, only to be rebuilt with the dedication of Siamese artisans and the support of generous donors. Join me as I delve into the rich history and cultural significance of this remarkable temple.

Phra Mongkhon Bophit translates to large bronze seated Buddha image of the Holy and Supremely Auspicious Reverence.

Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit Ayutthaya

Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit Ayutthaya

Wihan Mongkhon Bophit History

It is a mix of old and new temple architecture of Thailand. Initially it was just a *Mondop built to protect the huge bronze Buddha image, but over the years lot of renovations and repairs took place.

(Mondop – a building form in traditional Thai religious architecture featuring a square or cruciform building with a usually pointed roof.)

As I delved deeper into the history of Phra Mongkhon Bophit, I learned that the Buddha image was actually built back in 1538, as per the Luang Prasoet version of the Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya. It was then known as Wat Chi Chiang. However, tragedy struck when lightning struck the Wat, leaving it in ruins and damaging the idol of Buddha.

It wasn’t until the reign of King Songtham (1610/1611 – 1628) that the large bronze Buddha image was cast and moved to the west, where a mondop was built over it. But unfortunately, lightning struck the spire of the mondop again during the reign of King Sua (1703-1709), causing a fire. This resulted in the roof collapsing on the Buddha image and breaking its neck and head.
Mongkhon Bophit Buddha

King Sua ordered the mondop to be demolished and a new tall preaching hall to be built. It took Siamese artisans two years to complete the construction of the vihara, which was followed by a three-day festival to celebrate its completion.

The mid-17th century brought another tragedy when the Burmese attacked Ayutthaya and set everything on fire, including the vihara. The roof was damaged and the head and right arm of the Buddha image were broken. Amidst all the chaos, King Ekathat (1758 – 1767) was smuggled out of the Grand Palace by his loyal followers, but was later abandoned in Chik Village near the Sangkhawat Monastery.

The retreating Burmese army spotted him and took him hostage, and he died shortly after being taken to the fortification at Pho Sam Ton. His body was buried at a mound in the Royal cremation grounds in front of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, as ordered by Suki, the Mon General in charge of the Burmese rear guard.

Six months later, after chasing out the Burmese from the Pho Sam Ton fortification, General Taksin ordered the exhumation of King Ekathat’s remains and organized a royal ceremonious cremation. It’s a tumultuous history for a monument that stands tall and proud today, reminding us of the strength and resilience of the Thai people.

All these stories of the huge Buddha image I heard and read before I entered the Wat, but nothing prepared me for the sight that lay ahead.

Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit Buddha

As I approached Phra Mongkhon Bophit, I couldn’t help but feel awestruck by its sheer size. It was breathtaking to see one of the largest bronze Buddha images in all of Thailand before my very eyes. The huge idol was shining so brightly that it seemed to be made of gold to me.

The dimensions were staggering, with a width of approximately 9.5 meters across the lap and a towering height of 12.5 meters (excluding the pedestal). The Buddha image was seated in the position of Subduing Mara, exuding a sense of calm and strength. It was truly a magnificent sight and a reminder of the richness of Thai culture and history.

Definitely an image worth protecting and preserving for the future generations!

A Buddha face pasted with real gold leaf on display there.

Local devotees paste small leaves of gold on Buddha face

Local devotees paste small leaves of gold on Buddha face

Recent Developments

In 1956, during an official visit of the Prime Minister of Burma to Ayutthaya, a generous donation was given for the restoration of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. The vihara was completed in 1957, but unfortunately, it didn’t match the exquisite craftsmanship of the original one.

In 1992, the Mongkhon Bophit Foundation covered the statue of Phra Mongkhon Bophit with gold leaf to celebrate the 60th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. It was a stunning sight to see the golden statue glimmering in the sunlight.

Also an old photograph on display showing the damaged image.

Picture of the Buddha image

Picture of the Buddha image

Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit Information

Address: SubDistrict: Pratu Chai, District: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Province: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000
Location: It is located on the south side of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Take the same route as the way to Khum Khun Phaen
Activities: A must visit for history buffs, architecture lovers and spiritually inclined tourists.
Timings: Open everyday 7 AM to 3 PM.
Tickets: No tickets required to enter. It is a free sight.
Facilities: Local guides, parking, washrooms, souvenir shops

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a visit to Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit in Ayutthaya, Thailand is a must for those interested in history, architecture and Buddhism. Despite the many natural disasters and invasions that have befallen this magnificent temple over the centuries, it remains a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Thai people.

From the impressive bronze statue of the Buddha to the beautifully crafted mondop and vihara, there is much to admire and contemplate here. And with ongoing restoration efforts and the continued support of organizations like the Mongkhon Bophit Foundation, this temple will surely continue to inspire visitors for generations to come.

Pin this for later

If you have liked this post on Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit you can save and share this travel blog to plan a trip to the historical site.

Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit Ayuthaya

Exploring Wat Ratchaburana in Ayutthaya
Wat Phra Si Sanphet: A Must-See Attraction in Ayutthaya

37 Responses to “Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit Ayutthaya Thailand

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.