Wat Phra Si Sanphet: A Must-See Attraction in Ayutthaya
I regretted planning just a single day for exploring the stunning Ayutthaya Historical Park. With only four hours at hand, we were rushing between the Thai Buddhist Temples. While some of them were small and quick to visit, a few were vast and sprawling, covering acres of land. Wat Phra Si Sanphet was one such place!
We were unable to explore everything in the ruins within the 45 minutes we had there. It was disappointing to leave without fully experiencing the grandeur of this ancient site. I would definitely recommend setting aside more time to truly appreciate the cultural heritage of Thailand and beauty of the Historical Park.
Three Chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphet History
The Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, a Royal monastery located in Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital, has a rich history spanning several centuries. Its origins date back to the 14th century, during the reign of U Thong, the first King of Ayutthaya.
Over time, more structures were added by later kings, culminating in the temple’s peak of glory in the 17th century. King Borommatrailokkanat converted the old palace into a monastery in 1448, and King Ramathibodi II added two large chedis and a 50-meter-long viharn enshrining the large bronze Phra Si Sanphet Buddha image.
Another three decades later a third chedi was constructed to enshrine the ashes of King Ramathibodi II.
During the reign of King Narai, a large cross-shaped viharn called Prasat Phra Narai was built. Unfortunately, the temple was largely destroyed by the Burmese armies in 1767, leaving only the three stupas intact.
Remains of Gilded Buddha Image of Viharn Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphet Architecture
The main structure of the monastery is aligned East to West, with three large bell-shaped stupas (chedis) standing tall on an elevated platform at the center of the complex. I could spot them from far. As I strolled on, it was a breathtaking sight to see them up close. Each chedi was accompanied by a square mondop with a pyramidal roof, adding to the overall impressive display.
Surrounding the platform was a walled and roofed gallery lined with Buddha images, creating an aura of serenity and peace in spite of being moss covered and in ruins. Towards the East was the imposing principal Viharn, which enshrined the magnificent 16-meter-tall gilded Phra Si Sanphet Buddha along with two smaller viharns.
As I explored the complex further, I discovered an ordination hall and the Sala Chom Thong, the hall where monks studied the teachings of the Buddha, near the East wall. The outer wall, which enclosed the entire complex, was adorned with numerous subsidiary chedis and viharns, making it impossible to not appreciate the artistry that went into the design of the Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
Three Impressive Bell-Shaped Stupas
I was amazed by the sight of three enormous bell-shaped stupas at the heart of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Can you believe these were once been covered in gold? It must have been a grand sight, I imagined.
Each stupa had a porch extending from each of the four cardinal directions, with a niche that enshrined a standing Buddha statue. I learned that within the core of each stupa was a small chamber that held the ashes of Ayutthaya Kings.
Adjacent to each stupa were the remains of a mondop, a building with a square floor plan and a pyramidal roof. It gave me goosebumps to mentally figure that these structures once held highly revered Buddha images. The galleries surrounding the central platform that supported the stupas were filled with Buddha images in the subduing Mara posture, or Calling the Earth to Witness.
The Lost Gilded Buddha Image of Viharn Phra Si Sanphet
History of Ayutthaya got me interested. Reading up more, I learned that the city was once adorned with numerous golden Buddha images. However, it saddened me to learn that none of them remain in their original form.
I came across the fascinating history of the Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which housed one of the most stunning and colossal gilded Buddha images in the entire kingdom. As I read the description, I couldn’t help but feel awestruck. The image stood at an impressive height of 16 meters and was coated with over 340 kilos of gold. It was enshrined in the Viharn Luang, also known as Viharn Phra Si Sanphet, which was the Royal assembly hall spanning 50 meters in length.
Unfortunately, during the Burmese invasion of 1767, the hall and the Phra Si Sanphet image were severely damaged. The gold was melted down and taken to Burma, while the bronze core of the image was moved to Bangkok for restoration and enshrinement in a chedi of the Wat Pho.
Viharn Phra Si Sanphet
It’s really disappointing to think that such a magnificent work of art no longer exists in its original form, but the history behind it still leaves a lasting impression. When I visited the historical site nothing much was visible about this image. It was ruins all around, the bricks crumbling to dust and soon will be in level with ground.
Lot of greenery all around, and the site is well maintained, one of the Wats where they have an entrance fee for foreigners. A grand place to visit, if you are ever there.
Entrance Fee to Ayutthaya Historical Park
While entry to the Ayutthaya UNESCO World Heritage site is free, some of the Wats within the park require a separate entrance fee, typically ranging from 20 to 50 THB. Below is the list of some of the famous Ayutthaya temples and ruins and the corresponding entrance fee:
- Wat Mahathat: 50 THB
- Wat Ratchaburana: 50 THB
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet: 50 THB, 10 THB for students
- Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol: 50 THB
- Wat Chaiwathanaram: 50 THB
- Wat Panang Choeng: 20 THB
Wat Phra Si Sanphet Information
Address: Pratu Chai Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000
Timings: Open every day from 8.30 AM to 5 PM.
Nearby Wat: Wihaan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Avoid mid day tours. Take a hat along and sunscreen lotions
Parting thoughts
Not sure whether I will be back again! One parting thought that crossed my mind then – this visit to the Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya, Thailand, is an experience that is both awe-inspiring and informative. I was impressed by what I could not see – The heavily gilded Phra Si Sanphet Buddha statue, which was once enshrined in the Royal assembly hall.
The last of the impressive architecture, serene ambiance, and rich history, is something that is hard to forget. Overall, the Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a testament to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or Buddhism.
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Fascinating history and rightly said such places can never be covered in a hurry.
Ayuthaya has been on my to-do list for a while. I wonder when I can go 😀
I have not visited Ayuthya till date. Looks like I am missing out on a lot of beauty!
Interesting place. Great captures 🙂
Such an Beautiful ancient structure, reminds us of the Angkor Wat Temple.
Thailand has so much more to offer, like Wat Phra Si Sanphet, other than the regular things which people generally opt for! Great article, Indrani.
the ruins look so amazing, I wonder how blissful the unimpaired site would have been! Beautiful images!
Amazing photos Indrani. I don’t know how I suddenly discovered this 6 year old post of yours but I’m glad I did.
Always had this attraction towards buddhism and their place of meditation. very informative
Thailand is a beautiful place with wonderful Architecture !! I Would certainly visit it some day !! Till the time will enjoy your beautiful post !!:)
It's a nice change to see pictures from Thailand with a moody greyey sky instead of a cloudless blue on. I also really like the angle in the first shot.
Impressive ruins !
Simply Magnificent.
Very nice pictures once again.
Wish you and your family Happy Makar Sankranti.
I appreciate for your wonderful post. I liked it very much. The place is very nice and beautiful.
Very great shots,
looks funny those towers with pointed shape 🙂
Nice to see your girls !!
Have a relaxing sunday (@^.^@)
Beautiful places with great history.
Thanks for the beautiful journey you offer with the help of your detailed presentation.
Interesting narration and lovely pictures. I liked the angle in the first one.
Hi Indrani! Sorry for the delay, but a new year always brings new troubles… 😉
Gorgeous pictures. Ayutthaya is definitely a never ending source of beauty!!
Meanwhile a new blog is born: Blogtrotter Two! Hope you enjoy at least as much as the previous version and look forward to reading your comments!
Have a great weekend!!! Gil
beauty is everywhere 🙂
These pictures remind me of the temples of Bali, esp the angor wat. Lovely description along with the pictures.
looks beautiful!!1 by the way, what are those black structures in the second-last pic? they look like the images of snakes we have in our temples!!
It lloks like ancient magic!
Any reason for these steep conical roofs in these historic structures?
What an intriguing place!
Wow, Indrani, beautiful captures. I'm sure you'll return there and take more time to see it,Please do tell: what is a WAT? Regards Jo (North Africa)
Dear Jo, Wats are Buddhist temples of Thailand!