Wat Phanan Choeng of Ayutthaya Historical Park

From the ruins of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon we wandered on to Wat Phanan Choeng.

Wat Phanan Choeng of Ayutthaya Historical Park has a more modern look. Exteriors of the temple complex has a concrete touch up. But the truth, which I found so hard to believe was that it belonged to 14th century. And it is impossible to believe that the Wat houses a 19 m tall gilded image of Lord Buddha!

Ayutthaya Historical Park requires at least two to three days of stay there if you intend to visit and explore each of the Wats.

Wat Phanan Choeng Ayutthaya

19m Tall Gilded Buddha in Wat Phanan Choeng

It was crowded inside and it took a while to realize that the ritual of merit transfer was in progress. Inside there is a 14 m wide and 19 m tall image of seated Buddha. It is made of mortar, primed with black lacquer and covered with gold leaf. The image was built in 1344.

However its present form was attained after many repairs. The last repair was done by Royal Institute in 1929 after the face started developing cracks.

Thais call this highly revered Buddha statue by the name: Luang Pho Tho and Thai Chinese call it Sam Pao Kong. The statue is believed to be the guardian for mariners. There is a legend that the idol shed tears just before the destruction of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in the Burmese – Siamese War in 1767.

Wat Phanan Choeng Lord Buddha

Ritual of Merit Transfer in Wat Phanan Choeng

Standing at the base, my jaw dropped wide open seeing the glitter of this majestic huge image. There were men standing in the palm of the statue like Lilliputians. I was lucky to be there then to witness the ritual of merit transfer.

Men standing up there were wrapping the statue with saffron robes; there was one man at the shoulder too. The robe was then used to cover the devotees and worshipers sitting down below. One of the priests there was chanting hymns and prayers.

After the completion of the ritual, the robes were pulled away gently, folded and kept away for the next session.

Wat Phanan Choeng Ritual of Merit Transfer

Wat Phanan Choeng Ritual of Merit Transfer.

Robe covering the devotees - Ritual of Merit Transfer.

Robe covering the devotees – Ritual of Merit Transfer.

Robe folded up after the ritual.

Robe folded up after the ritual of merit transfer.

If ever you visit this Wat and you find a huge crowd, wait patiently, watch the ritual, it is worth it. I found it the most active temple complex of Ayutthaya, with many devotees inside. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for weekenders from Bangkok.

Wat Phanan Choeng Interior

As I walked around, I saw many many more Buddha images of all sizes. The picture below is of the wall just behind the image which had around 84,000 niches. Each of them housed small idols of Buddha. Devotees make offerings, donations, place their idol of Buddha in the niches and pray for good luck.

Tips to Visit Wat Phanan Choeng

  • There are 3 very old Buddha images seated in Mara or Calling the Earth to witness posture on a raised pedestal inside ubosot or ordination hall. The central one measuring over 2½ meters tall is gilded. The ubosot’s walls are adorned with murals.
  • Outside there was a small Chinese shrine made in honor of a Chinese princess who died, rather killed herself, because her husband the King of Ayutthaya did not go personally to receive her.
  • You can buy a bag of fish from the vendors there and release it in the river flowing just beside the Wat. It is supposed to bring in luck.
  • Week day visits are more relaxed. The temple is crowded in weekends.
  • Check timing for ritual of merit transfer before your visit and time accordingly if you wish to experience one.

3 very old Buddha images seated in Mara or Calling the Earth to witness posture on a raised pedestal inside ubosot or ordination hall.

Opening Time and Tickets

Opening Time: 8am to 5pm.
Tickets cost 20bahts. You can take a combined pass for all Wats in Ayutthaya Historical Park too.

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