Largest Buddha at Wat Si Chum Sukhothai, Thailand
The Wats of Sukhothai Historical Park are scattered over a large area. So there are chances that you may miss out visiting some of the beautiful Wats which are at a distance from the main enclosure. Wat Si Chum is one such Wat in the northwest part of the old city of Sukhothai. Because of its location Wat Si Chum is one of the most missed Wat. Either tourists forget or because of poor planning they run out of time.
Wat Si Chum Sukhothai
Wat Si Chum means ‘the temple of Bodhi tree’. King Maha Thammaracha II built this Wat in 14th century. There is a moat going all around the Wat. Inside there is this largest Buddha statue in seated posture made of brick and stucco. It measures 11 m wide and 15.3 m high. This form of Buddha is known as Phra Acana, meaning ‘one who is not frightened’.
The statue is surrounded by a huge 3m thick wall with just a narrow slit in front of the image. The mondop had a roof which unfortunately has disappeared with time. Once inside the enclosure you get the complete picture of the statue. You have to crane your neck up to see the sweet serene face of Buddha. It is hard to get the complete statue in one single photo frame and you may have to sit, squat and lie down may be to get the complete image.
The calmness the statue radiates is contagious! I spent some quiet moments here.
Hard to get the complete statue in one photo frame.
Mondop and Viharn of Wat Si Chum
Within this 3m thick walls of the mondop there is a stairway leading to the top of the structure. We found it closed. The ceiling of this stairway had drawings engraved in slate slabs dating back to 14th century. These slabs depict scenes from the Jataka tales, the stories about the previous lives of the Buddha. It is assumed that Buddhist devotees climbed the narrow stairway and looked at the depictions to learn about Buddhism. Presently these slabs are displayed in Ramkhamhaeng National Museum.
Just next to the mondop is the viharn or assembly hall. Unfortunately not much is left of this place. You can see only the base and rows of pillars. Luckily for me, a monk was strolling around the Wat and I could get him in my frame.
Viharn or assembly hall in Wat Si Chum Sukhothai
Phra Pood Dai, Speaking Buddha
A popular legend associated with the Buddha statue of Wat Si Chum Sukhothai is that: it is Speaking Buddha! Origin of this legend dates back to 16th century when King Naresuan fought war with the Burmese. To boost up the morale of his fighting forces the king ordered one of his soldiers to climb the narrow stairway in the mondop enshrining the Buddha image. The soldier delivered a morale boosting speech to the troops to fight the enemy. The acoustics of the small space and the unseen speaker made the soldiers believe it was the statue of Buddha speaking to them. Yet another version of the story is that the Burmese armies fled in fear upon approaching the image.
(Check: Large standing Buddha.)
Most Photographed Hand
One striking feature of this statue is the right hand, its long fingers made so delicately looks as if they extend down to summon Earth Goddess! Many devotees cover the hand with thin sheets of gold.
Most photographed hand in Wat Si Chum Sukhothai
Travel Tips for Wat Si Cum
- You can hire tuk tuks to this northern part of Sukhothai Historical Park.
- Alternatively you can rent bicycles for a day if you intend to do some photo shoot at the place.
- Dress in comfortable covered clothes suiting the decorum of the religious place.
- Keep water, as you may move around other Wats too in the neighboring area.
- You can hire a guide too to understand the monuments and its associated legends better.
- Early morning is the best time to visit when the sun’s rays fall on sweet serene face of Buddha. (I wish somebody had tipped me on that.)
- If you are clicking photos of local people visiting the Wat, please ask for permission.
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This looks like a magical place. Awesome pictures too. I love wats in Thailand.
Your photography here and the ability to show the details is brilliant. Thank you for the early morning tip. Even though I have been to Thailand already once – it was more of an island trip rather than culture and I sure should be back.
Thailand’s temples are so amazing! I wish I’d had more time in the country as I only was able to visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Krabi. I’ll definitely keep Sukhothai in mind for my next visit.
This definitely looks like the perfect spot for some quiet time and reflection. I would love to spend some time meditating in this park.
The most photographed hand looks great! I haven’t heard of it before.
I would take a tuk tuk to see this northern part of Sukhothai Historical Park, but riding a bike seems also like a good option.
I”m surprised this is often missed by tourists, the statue is beautiful! I love the photo of the buddha peaking through the gap. And the detail of his fingers, I would love to see this for myself.
Sadly, I haven’t been here yet. I really want to go back to Thailand and really discover the place. I think a month would be great. I was just so short with time then. There’s so much really that this country offers. This statue of Buddha looks really majestic. I mean, I liked Wat Pho and the more popular ones, but finds like these are gems!
This was such an interesting read. Especially, I loved reading the legend of Speaking Buddha! Kudos to the presence of mind of the kIng and how he used it to boost his soldiers’ morale. I had no idea about this story of fact and fiction. Thanks for sharing.
I always enjoy reading about legends. and this one about the Speaking Buddha is fascinating. There is always an interesting blend of fact and fiction to decipher. Great pics as well capturing the serene essence of Wat Si Cum.
That is a very large Buddha…. I feel like the hands alone are the length of my entire body..!
What a fascinating culture! I didn’t even know about Wat Si Chum, but it’d love to visit, especially if it is such a quiet place. We in fact love to visit the calm places where we can just sit and relax, and with this view it’d be an absolutely amazing experience!
Mesmerizing pictures. Loved the post 🙂
Most photographed hand in Wat Si Chum Sukhothai. What a sacred, beautiful and impressive statue of the hand it is. what is the meaning of Wat ? if I am right , it would be Temple in Thai language ?
Nice write-up with beautiful pictures ? Indrani
Thanks for sharing ?
I know so little about the religion and beliefs surrounding Buddha, but this statue is truly inspiring in its size and in the obvious devotion of its followers. You captured its essence well in your photos, despite the challenge of capturing such a large statue!
Thanks for the heads up on this buddha – she is beautiful. I love those long delicate fingers. It’s hard to believe that devout buddhists cover them in gold! I’d love to visit these temples by cycling – such a lovely pace to take all these wonderful temples and budhhas in. Thanks for the good tips
What a gorgeous encounter. The acoustic artistry is phenomenal. I love that you felt the calmness so strongly. I’d love to witness that myself.
This really is one massive Buddha and so graceful too. My, look at those fingers – so long and graceful – peace seems to emanate from them.
Wow! And I am one of those travelers that you mentioned that ran out of time and missed seeing these magnificent statues and temples. This place seems incredibly peaceful but also very confronting with such massive Buddha statues and that comes through in your pictures. I would have liked to have gone up that staircase above the statues, too bad it was closed for you. Love your photos especially the picture of the assembly hall nice one!
The first thing I noticed was the gold on the fingers. How is that related to the Earth Goddess? What is the significance?
So beautiful! such an interesting culture and each new site I read about makes me even more determined to make it there soon
Wat Si Chum looks wonderful – what a shame it is so often missed. On the other hand, some benefit in that it might just be a little quieter? I love the hand with the gold rubbed onto it. What a charming thing to do.
The Buddha statue is huge – I love how you captured the monk in the photo and that hand looks so amazing. I will have to remember to visit this when I go to Thailand.
I missed out on Sukhothai when I was in Thailand but it’s now on my list for the next time I go. You have written this post very articulately. Loved reading about the story of speaking Buddha, I can see how it was morale boosting for them, imagine how your mind would have been warped with war and thinking you’ve heard the Buddha statue speak to you.
Wow, 15 meters high and 11 meters wide is huge for a statue. How long did it take to climb the stairway leading to the top of the structure? I really want to go to Thailand and visit some of the sites. I’ll make sure not tombs exploring this Buddha statue in Sukhothai Historical Park.
I can see why that hand is the most photographed hand, it’s so nicely carved out, with long delicate fingers. I love exploring Buddha statues myself, I haven’t been to Sukhothai though.
That is an interesting find and read too. The statue is so impressive especially its hand. I loved the long carved fingers pointing towards Mother Earth.
I love the tradition of travellers brings gold to rub onto Buddha. We saw this in Sri Lanka as we were visiting Polonnaruwa. Not only does it beautiful the building, but it also requires the essence of sacrifice. You bring something valuable (gold sheets) and work by hand to give them to the temple. It seems ultimately cathartic.
This is a great tip. We also went to that Buddha on our visit to Sukhothai….but like you said, so many people skip it due to the distance away. Extra points for motorscooters all over SE Asia, so cheap! Great blog post, hope it inspires more people to get out and check that Wat out!
How beautiful! When planning our recent three week trip, I had a hard time whittling down our itinerary and in the end I included a visit to Ayutthaya and left out Sukhothai. But on a future visit, I really want to go. The historical temple ruins of Ayutthaya were such a highlight of our trip that I know I’d love Sukhothai too.
Whaaaaat?! I spent 4 months in Thailand but totally missed Wat Si Chum, and now I’m kicking myself! The size is blowing my mind, and that hand is so graceful!
It looks really interesting and very impressive. Thanks for the useful tips at the end, I think a hiring a guide would be essential to really get to know the place and its associated legends.
I love Thailand and there is always so much to see and do there. I made it out to some great temples while I was there but not to see this. I plan on going back someday and will add this to my must-see list! Thanks for the great post.
I visited Sukhothai a few years ago, and yes, I did take photos of that Buddha’s hand. The whole park is wonderful. I rented a bicycle and just kept on going round and round there. Would love to go back.
Beautiful! This is a good reminder of why it’s a good idea to research travels ahead of time, so that you don’t accidentally miss amazing spots like this by running out of time or not knowing about them.
so many stories around in this world… one life is just not enough !
The Buddha is delightful. So peaceful and welcoming. I love the calm smile.
quite interesting and inspiring .
A beautiful hand indeed and an interesting post and terrific captures as always, Indrani! Hope your week is going well!
very interesting. i agree with what george said.
I had not heard of this wat before. The hand of Buddha is very beautiful.
Fantastic work and great shots of it.
Awesome, the long fingers, wow.
This is an awesome & ancient Buddha !
It is amazing!
Wow! Amazing
Hugs
Sue
Ann
A very interesting read.