Mystery of Buddha Head in Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya
If you’re visiting Ayutthaya, one of the top attractions you won’t want to miss is the Buddha head at Wat Mahathat. This ancient and famous Buddha head has become an iconic symbol of Ayutthaya and attracts visitors from all over the world. It’s located within the temple ruins of Wat Mahathat, which is itself a fascinating historical site and well worth exploring.
Buddha Head gripped by Banyan Tree roots Ayutthaya
Buddha Head entwined in Tree Roots
Wat Phra Mahathat is famous for the Buddha head of sandstone embraced by the roots of a huge tree. A religious wonder; nobody knows how the head got embedded there.
I remember being fascinated by the entanglement of the Buddha head in the tree roots at Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya. It was a mystery that made me wonder how it had happened and why. Some people believed that the head was forgotten and swallowed up by the tree roots during a time when the temple was abandoned, while others had darker theories.
But regardless of how it happened, the Buddha head and the tree roots create a unique and captivating sight that draws thousands of visitors each year. My daughters, not having seen anything like this before, simply loved the mystery surrounding the Buddha head. It made the experience of exploring the temple even more special.
Famous Buddha head at Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya
One of the theories is that a broken image could have got abandoned there after the Burmese attacked Ayutthaya and ransacked the Wats. And years of neglect may have caused the roots taking hold of the Buddha head.
In fact there are a lot of interesting stories around all these… waiting to be told. If only the language wasn’t a barrier.
Photography around Buddha Head
If you plan to take photographs around the Buddha head in Wat Mahathat, exercise caution as the area is closely guarded. The guards keep a watchful eye and will blow a whistle to signal you to keep a safe distance from the ancient artifact. While it may be tempting to get closer for a better shot, I strongly believe that it’s important to respect the rules and regulations in place to preserve the historic site for future generations.
I could see tourists swarming around the Buddha head, eager to take photos with this religious wonder. Many photographers were capturing shots from every angle, and I was no exception. Despite the area being restricted by poles and chains, most visitors were aiming to capture the auspicious image of the Buddha head without any distractions from the surrounding structures.
I too was swept up in the excitement, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to capture my own memories of this incredible place. I tried to get the perfect shot while avoiding any man-made obstructions. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone vying for the perfect photo. If you’re a photography enthusiast, Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya is an absolute must-visit destination.
Significance of Buddha Heads
Headless Buddha statues are often found in ancient ruins or abandoned temples. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, containing the eyes, ears, mouth, and nose – the senses through which humans experience the world. In Buddhism, not only the head represents wisdom, consciousness, and enlightenment but also the three-dimensional oval at the top of the head of the Buddha is considered as the symbol of his Enlightenment and Enthronement.
When a Buddha statue is beheaded, it represents a loss of wisdom, a lack of consciousness, and an interruption in the enlightenment process. The Headless Buddha meaning is: the frequent (and illegal) practice in Cambodia of decapitating religious statues and selling the heads on the black market.
Headless buddha statue
Buddha heads are highly sought-after artifacts that are revered in Buddhist culture. These statues represent the Buddha’s wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment. The serene expression on the face of a Buddha head symbolizes the peace and inner harmony that can be achieved through Buddhist teachings.
Looking back at history, we see that Buddha statues have been beheaded as a sign of disrespect or as an act of looting. These severed heads would often end up in colonial households as prized possessions of conquest, and this trade continues even today. However, the vulnerability of the neck also means that statues can lose their heads due to the slightest impact.
It’s disheartening for me to see Buddha torsos in meditative postures without their heads, regardless of the reason behind their absence. It’s a reminder of the damage that human greed and disrespect can inflict upon priceless artifacts and cultural heritage.
Undamaged Buddha statue at Wat Mahathat
Wat Phra Mahathat History
Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya is a historic temple located in the ancient city of Ayutthaya, Thailand. The temple was built during the reign of King Borommaracha I in the mid-14th century, and over the centuries. Building began on this royal monastery in 1374 and was completed during the reign of King Ramesuan (1388-95).
It is revered as one of the oldest and most significant temples in the region, with a rich cultural and religious heritage dating back centuries. The temple complex was once one of the largest and most important in Ayutthaya, serving as the religious and political center of the city. Many important royal ceremonies were hosted here, and the temple served as a focal point for the community, bringing people together to celebrate their shared values and traditions.
Wat Mahathat housed many significant artefacts. One of the most remarkable features of the temple is its possession of the holy relic of the Buddha, which has drawn pilgrims and devotees from across the world for generations.
During the Burmese invasion of Ayutthaya in the late 18th century, the temple was looted and partially destroyed. Many of its treasures were lost or stolen, and the temple complex fell into disrepair.
In the years that followed, it has undergone many renovations and expansions. All that remains now are ruins with series of beheaded Buddhas. Some of the smaller stupas are still intact, but the main prang has vanished and only the base remains.
The temple was slowly restored and rebuilt, and today it stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and tradition. It remains a popular destination for visitors from around the world.
Headless Buddha Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya
What to see in Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya
As I leisurely strolled around Wat Phra Mahathat in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, I couldn’t help but notice the fascinating remnants of the old buildings. The site featured a variety of structures such as pagodas, octagonal pagodas, and a royal hall, which stood as mute witnesses to the grandeur of the past.
I ventured into the smaller temples, where I found myself disappointed with what I discovered – mostly emptiness and a few broken murals scattered under the shade of a Bodhi tree. However, my mood was soon lifted as I caught sight of the famous sandstone Ayutthaya-style Buddha head, nestled cozily in the roots of a tree.
The Buddha head was a remarkable sight, radiating an aura of tranquility and wisdom that seemed to fill the air around it. It was a poignant reminder of the rich cultural and religious history of Thailand and the power of art and spirituality to inspire and uplift the human spirit.
Nearby attractions of Ayutthaya Wat Mahathat
- The Ancient Palace, with only the basement of the building left to be seen today.
- Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, an important Thai temple in the royal palace of the Ayutthaya era.
- Wat Ratchaburana located opposite to Wat Phra Mahathat.
- Wat Phra Ram, which was built in the reign of King Ramesuan in the area where his father, King Ramathibodi I, was cremated
- Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bo Phit.
Wat Mahathat Information
Address: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Tickets: Not a free sight. 50 THB for international tourists
Timing: Open timings are 8 AM to 5 PM.
Best time to visit: The place has lot of trees, you can visit mid-day.
Parting thoughts from Wat Mahathat
As I turned to take a final glimpse of the Buddha head nestled amidst the tree roots, it appeared to carry a profound message: to remain calm no matter how difficult the situation may be. The Buddha head’s serene expression and peaceful aura seemed to remind me that even in the tightest of spots, one should strive to maintain their composure and inner peace.
This poignant message has stayed with me since my visit to Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya Historical Park and serves as a constant source of inspiration to stay centered amidst the chaos of everyday life.
If you’re planning a trip to Ayutthaya, make sure to visit Wat Mahathat and see the entwined Buddha head and tree roots for yourself. It’s a one-of-a-kind sight that you won’t want to miss!
Pin this for later
Very interesting indeed…thanks for sharing this, Indrani!
Creativity is at its best.
Beautiful article awesome Buddha photo in janan yoga
A great post. This is indeed so fascinating. Thanks for sharing dear 🙂
Want to visit Thailand. Must be beautiful these stone figurines enclosed within roots
Great pics, Indrani.
Great place & super monuments.
Can understand why everyone wants to make use of the photo-op 🙂
Whenever I see this Buddha’s head, I feel sheer wonder. Nice capture and write-up as always, Indrani…. 🙂
beautiful works… wish all the monuments were intact.. . thanks for letting us know about this wonderful place
What a beautiful , auspicious and amazing place to visit . Here another face of Thailand is reflecting in your post besides Night life in Bangkok , Pattaya and so so .
This is gorgeous! what a beautiful image.
A rare spectacle indeed
incredible works 🙂
Wow its really a wonder.
I think it happened due to wars in those times.
Thanks
TC
wow! the first and second pics are amazing. I actually didn't think about how the head got tangled until u mentioned. Now i wonder how!
Wow.. that quite a wonder. I love this sort of thing. You find such interesting photography subjects.
your photos are wonderful. I particularly enjoyed the first one although I liked the mixture of textures and colors in the last.
Thank you for dropping by and visiting me. It is nice to meet you.
Thank you for leaving a comment in my blog. I have been looking through your enjoying your wonderful photographs. I am a Christian but am very interested in all places of worship.
Wonderful. Never seen anything like this before.
Truly a magnificent lesson: the nature is an integral part of our existence…
Wonderful post, thanks for sharing!
The Buddha head among the roots is a wonder indeed, nature embracing man's work. Great photos from your beautiful world.
Wow! The Buddha embraced by the roots of the tree is amazing, whatever may be the story!
I can see what a great photo-op this is ! The Face caught among roots looks evocative, if a bit eerie ! Ta-Phrom in Angkor Thom ( Cambodia) also has similar sights.
Love that head trapped in the roots – looks spooky, but amazing.
The bottom photo with the uneven bricks is lovely, too.
Amazing shots – and that head nestled among the roots in an embrace is just fantastic!
Good one, thanks for sharing.
I'm back to the Blogging World after a short break. Invite you to visit my renewed page and leave your comments.
the first pic just was amazing, what a lovely blend of nature and art. A Happy New Year to you and all your loved ones..hope you have a great year ahead!
amazing!
fascinating . No wonder people are flocking to see for themselves!
The final photograph is particularly intriguing. I wonder how it looked when it was new?
It's interesting to find the remnants of the ancient times that still stand today.
The embedded sandstone head is quite intriguing. Lovely post Indrani as ever.
fascinating history…enjoyed your post and photographs much.
Beautiful shots. That is really a wonder to me!!
Such an interesting post and all great shots. The Buddha head that is embraced by the tree roots is remarkable. It looks like it sprang from the tree. I've never seen anything like that.
Fascinating! And I too was intrigued by the head in the tree! Amazing! And, yes Indrani, you do always share the best stuff! It's always a pleasure visiting your blog! Have a good week!
Sylvia
You always share the best stuff!
The head and the tree are intriguing. Its hard to decide whether it is embracing or imprisoning the carving…
Great shots of interesting monuments.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
The head really is awesome.
That's an amazing blend of nature and creativity. Thanks for the window into your world.