Exploring Wat Ratchaburana in Ayutthaya
As my day of exploring Ayutthaya Historical Park was coming to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness that I couldn’t stay longer. The park was truly magnificent, with its impressive ruins and historical remnants – it’s difficult to take it all in with just one day. After visiting Wat Phra Mahathat, the last stop on my tour was the stunning Wat Ratchaburana, a 15th century temple that appeared to be in excellent condition.
I was particularly intrigued by the standing statues of Lord Buddha, as they are quite rare to come across. The statues were in immaculate condition, and the ones in each grotto of the prang were especially impressive. It was truly a sight to behold, and a perfect ending to a wonderful day of exploring Ayutthaya.
Statues of Garuda( a mythical bird) and Nagas(serpent) at the corners were intact. I had a happy time clicking and freezing the sculptural delights of fifteenth century.
Wat Ratchaburana is inside the second enclosure. The picture is collage of the entrances to Wat Ratchaburana Ayutthaya.
History of Wat Ratchaburana Ayutthaya
Wat Ratchaburana, we were told was built by King Boromaraja II. This Wat was made to keep the remains of his elder brothers who died fighting each other. It is a sad end to the story of the brothers who engaged in a battle on elephant back over who would succeed their father to rule the great Ayutthaya empire. Two Chedis now stand at the place of cremation of the brothers.
Discovering the Beauty of the Restored Ruins at Wat Ratchaburana
Located on the city island of Ayutthaya, Wat Ratchaburana is a temple renowned for its restored ruins. As I strolled towards the ruins I found it hard to believe these ruins once housed a beautiful monastery, a thriving religious center. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and amazement!
It’s no wonder that the temple is often referred to as the temple of royal restoration, reflecting a bygone era.
Central prang of Wat Ratchaburana
Architecture and Art
Just as the Lonely Planet guidebook had described, the main attraction of the temple was its impressive prang. As I approached, I was in awe of its beauty and grandeur. The prang, which is a local term for a spire-like tower, was one of the finest examples of traditional architecture in Ayutthaya. Its intricate carvings drew inspiration from both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and it was a true testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the people who built it.
Despite undergoing extensive restoration over the years, the prang still managed to retain its original stucco work and mythical creatures adorning its surface. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence and awe as I observed the intricate details and craftsmanship that went into its construction.
The temple also featured four Sri Lankan Stupas and a crypt that visitors could access via steep stairs, which added to its allure and mystique.
Standing Buddha
As I walked towards the vihara, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of its wooden roof. Despite this, the towering windowless walls still emanated an imposing presence. It was fascinating to imagine how grand it would have looked with its roof intact.
However, the most captivating feature of the central part of the temple was its unique layout. The main prang was surrounded by covered cloisters, each with a tower in the four corners – a design that reminded me of the magnificent Khmer temples at Angkor. It was truly a remarkable sight and a testament to the ingenuity of the architects who designed it centuries ago.
Theft in Main Prang of the Wat
Archaeologists unearthed a fascinating discovery at this location – a crypt within the tower with three levels.
- The first level, which is adorned with murals, contains tablets from commoners.
- On the second level, items from the royal family including golden tablets were found.
- The third level was supposed to house relics of Buddha
Display inside Wat Ratchaburana Ayutthaya
In 1957 looters dug into the main prang and stole the treasures and valuable materials. The local police there later retrieved them. If only the looters channelized their talents of treasure hunting to become good archeologists!
Many of Ayutthaya’s precious treasures were found in this Wat by archaeologists. More digging took place after that and a lot of ancient valuables including royal regalia made of gold and precious stones were found. They are on display at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum in Ayutthaya.
The photos of the items were on display inside the tower of the prang. In the lower storey of the tower there were murals on the wall which are not very clear.
Statue of Garuda
A Journey Through Time: Exploring Wat Ratchaburana in Ayutthaya
The contrast in the landscape around was very much evident in the view from the top. The ruins against the modern buildings that have come up around was a great sight. It was like standing in a fifteenth century time frame and watching the developments of twenty first century around. And I just didn’t want to come out of the frame then.
Damaged statue at Wat Ratchaburana Ayutthaya – This type of statue saddens me a lot. Why do the looters take away the head?
Entrance Fee to Ayutthaya Historical Park
While entry to the Ayutthaya Historical Park is free, some of the temples and attractions within the park may require a separate entrance fee, typically ranging from 20 to 50 THB. Below is the list of some of the famous temples and its entrance fee:
- Wat Mahathat : 50 THB
- Wat Ratchaburana : 50 THB
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet : 30 THB
- Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol : 50 THB
- Wat Chaiwathanaram : 50 THB
- Wat Panang Choeng : 20 THB
Location and How to reach Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana is located on Chi Kun road within the Ayutthaya Historical Park in the island section of Ayuthaya Thailand. To reach Ayutthaya, visitors can take a train, bus or private car from Bangkok, which is approximately 80 km away.
Once in Ayutthaya, the temple is easily accessible by foot, bicycle, tuk-tuk or taxi. It is located near other popular attractions such as Wat Mahathat and the Ayutthaya Historical Park, making it convenient for visitors to include it in their itinerary.
Conclusion
Wat Ratchaburana is a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Ayutthaya.
Somewhat like 'gummat'old structures of Mughal period standing in posh colonies like South Extension IN New Delhi.The ancient and modern existing side by side.
Just amazing!
Amazing, to take a peek in such ancient history of humankind!
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!!
🙂
These photographs are just superb. I am really enjoying this Thailand series.
Hi Indrani! Sorry for the absence, but this starting of the year has been even crazier than usual!
Excellent shots! It must be a wonderful site!!
Blogtrotter 2 is departing Miami by sea. Hope you like it and have a great week!!
Thailand! Lovely.
Indrani, thanks for the historical trip to this ancient site.
Lovely pictures.I liked the contrast you brought out at the end.
Great pics and well narrated. Your blogs are a pleasure to read.Are you still in Thailand and blogging from there?
Amazing carvings. It's fascinating that this ancient building is in the middle of such contemporary ones.
Getting Reacquainted in 55
You are an excellent photographer. I liked each and every photographs. What a marvellous beauty. I appreciate for all the spectacular shots.
Endless beauty 🙂
Indrani, I enjoyed all the wonderful pictures! They are so interesting! What a nice place!
Stunning and your photographs are fantastic! What a wonderful place to visit, so much history too. Very enjoyable, thank you!
I know what you mean about the time frame. It's one reason I love wandering about central London, as you can see how the city has progressed from medieval times.
Fantastic tour of the place with spectacular shots.
Always so many places on my list to visit – Ayuthaya is one of them. Thanks for the lovely pics.
Wonderfull shots!!
The intricate design really amazed me. Beautiful captures.
Thanks for sharing.
Have a nice week.
All this from the 15th century? The structure in the top photo seems in relatively good shape. Love the contrast of the ancient and modern. Great photos.
Wow – amazing photos and that architecture – I just love it!
excellent photography of this great structures
Beautidul pics, again…. really looks great.. the last pic though, makes you relate to the ruins in India, doesnt it???
Thank you again for taking us to this wonderful tour. I just do not understand the looting of ancient artifacts.
Enjoy your week!
I've always wondered whether Ayuthaya was worth visiting or not. So thank you for you post, I think I will add this to my growing list of " must see". Great info too!
It is beautiful. I also love taking photos of the buddha. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice day.
What fascinating places. These are great shots. I always enjoy the details as well as the larger views you bring us. It's a shame looting is such a problem with antiquities.
amazing!
happy republic day!!
aloha, ayuthaya is an amazing place with too many temples to count…you captured one of the gems and i love the photos through the portals
Magnificent captures as always, Indrani! And I always learn so much about your wonderful country from your excellent post! How wonderful that you are able to travel and see so much history and beauty! Have a great week!
Sylvia
wow what an adventure. enjoy the rest of the week.
Wow!!
Amazing post 🙂
Unique "Wat" building
its really beautiful 🙂
Meow..meow..
Hi Indrani
come to my birthday party !!
I have Icecream for you
Its yummieee….
Kareltje =^.^=
Each photo is breathtaking. So different from anything we know here. I can begin to understand why so many young Israelis, after finishing their army service, take a year to go east, to experience Thailand and India.
Every country has looters. A few days ago thieves broke into a museum in Ashdod and stole archeological artifacts being exhibited as "objects recovered from antiquities thieves."
Your photos are always superb and you write a very good historical back up to to go with them too. It must be really wonderful to travel to so many beautiful places.
Nuts in May