Reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam Ayutthaya
Wat Lokayasutharam ( Lokaya Sutharam) is also called as the Temple of reclining Buddha. A simple, graceful huge image of Buddha lay in the open with no protective structure over it. Usually it is covered with a saffron cloth, but that particular day when we visited the image wasn’t covered. Behind there was the ruins of the vihara. The prang there still stands as a mute proof that it belongs to middle Ayutthaya period.
During our Wat hopping spree in Historic City of Ayutthaya we were astonished to see this full size image of Buddha out in the open. This Wat Lokaya Sutharam is located a distance of 1 km behind Wat Suanluangsopsawan and close to Wat Worachettharam. The reclining image of Buddha is on a raised platform made of brick and covered with plaster. It is 29 m long.
The ruins of the Ubosot, large hexagonal pillars, lie near the image. One can see the central chedi and ubosot in the courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by four chedis, now in ruins, one in each corner of the courtyard. All that remains of them is their base. The ubosot is a 14 m wide and 33 m long structure that is made up of brick.
This was a sacred place once, where people came to obtain monkhood. Today, a miniature Buddha image is placed right in front of it for people to be able to worship him and give their offerings.
Reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam Ayutthaya
Buddha here is known as Phra Bhuddhasaiyart. It lies facing east. The image is made of brick and mortar and had just yellow paint all over. At some places the paint has washed off and looked discolored. The head rested on a lotus flower, feet overlapping left over the right, with equal toes. Observe the picture carefully to see the equalized toes which signify enlightenment and beauty.
It is believed that before Buddha’s death, that is before he attained nirvana, he lied on his side, right hand supporting his head. His left hand resting over his body, this posture of Buddha’s nirvana is revered everywhere.
See another reclining Buddha in Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon in Ayutthaya.
Reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam Ayutthaya
History of Wat Lokaya Sutharam
I couldn’t find much about the history of Wat Lokaya Sutharam. There is some mention that origin of this Wat belongs to early 14th century. The remains of a moat, that originated from Chao Phraya River, around the structure indicates the Wat was of royal importance. Sadly during the Burmese attack in the year 1767, the Wat was destroyed.
The Prime Minister’s family made a number of renovations to Wat Lokaya Sutha. The image was restored in 1954 and again in 1989. It is out in the open exposed to sun and rain, year after year prone to continuous deterioration; it may require another restoration soon.
Tips to Visit Wat Lokaya Sutharam
- Dress with knees and shoulders covered properly.
- No shoes are allowed near the Wat, you will have to leave it a distance and walk barefoot to get close.
- Any unnecessary physical contact with one another is not appreciated or expected from tourists.
- No smoking inside the premises.
- Do not point your feet towards the image of Lord Buddha as it is frowned upon by the locals.
- Open throughout the day, and a free sight.
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The reclining posture reminds one of Sri Ranganatha of Srirangam or Sri Ananthapadmanabha of Thiruvanathapuram.
Thanka a bunch
Wow a lying Buddha, I never though that there was a lying Buddha.
Totally new Buddha to me. I learned a lot of new things and it made me happy like Buddha must do to many people. Thanks!
Yes! the protection of these structures is what required!
So many wonderful places on earth. The image is just amazing!
Lucky that you were able to catch it uncovered. Awesome! I would have love to see it in person.
Hi Indrani! Lovely pictures, great post! Difficult to avoid the damages caused by sun and rain…
Time to relax with a visit to a museum? Blogtrotter is at the British! Enjoy and have a great holiday season!
Around 15th century, Manish.
When this statue was initially built?
Sometimes you see the convergence of religions in all this – if you look at this and maha vishnu's ananthashayanam – they are identical poses!!
The pictures are awesome.
marvelous pics …
Seen the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, Bangkok – the gold plated one. But this one somehow looks better!
it's a national treasure, alright. Thanks for posting this image and info.
Everything seems on such a huge scale. We are minute in comparison.
Beautiful photos and full of good narrative.
Nuts in May
A national treasure that's hard to keep in perfect condition, being as it's out in the weather.
I'm glad you have a person in the one photo to show just how huge this is!
u bring back memories of 15 years..enjoyed reading yr thailand posts
What a majestic statue, and magnificent ruins! Thanks for sharing this.
nice 🙂
This is so beautiful !! I would like to take a tour of this place someday !!
Nice pictures and interesting story. Eventually it looks like it might turn into dust.
I have yet to see the reclining buddha, Indrani 🙂 Yes, after all these years. Thanks for the motivation.
thanks for enlightening us with the details on the reclining buddha! glad to see the pictures 🙂
Wow ! He's huge ! Missed seeing this one on my trip. They have a copy of this image in an amusement park in Cambodia.
Impressive and fascinating, that's all I can say !
is this in Ayutthaya, Thailand? I've seen some Buddhas there and it's quite interesting. I like this one too.
Thanks for sharing this fascinating site with us. I find historical sites like this to be very interesting.
Truly magnificent post!
That'a a huge Buddha.. Where is this place..???
Looking into the EYES!!! at Savoir-Faire
Mallikarjunar Koil at My Travelogue
I love the reclining Buddha… there is something special about the fact that the figure isn't completely perfect…
That's a giant Buddha. Never knew Buddha liked to lie on his side. Great photos of a marvelous sculpture.
I wonder if they will continue to restore the place. The Buddha statue needs some touch ups.
that was so interesting. thank you for all the amazing information
Very beautiful photo of the buddha. Am glad it was restored.
Very lovely image of reclining Buddha.
What an interesting place to show us. I'm so glad that they keep up the restoration.
Love, love, love these photos and your info!
I've never seen anything like this, Indrani! Love the reclining Buddha! You do find the most wonderful, beautiful, delightful things in your world to share with us! I always look forward to your posts and I'm never disappointed!
Have a lovely week!
Sylvia
I sure did learn a few things today… wonderful post Indrani
Very interesting. Someday I hoped to be fortunate to travel to these places of historical interests.
Another yet amazing sculpture from you Indrani. How cultures of each country can truly incite our appreciation and expand our insights for its own uniqueness and add to our well of knowledge. Like most countries, I know for a fact that yours has so much to offer to the world. Infact, yours is NOW (without doubt) shining!
Keep up with the most intelligent and interesting contribution to the blogworld!
love that image of the reclining Buddha!!
It looks majestic.
I like the image of buddha reclining as it's one of peace.
best wishes
Ribbon
Tremendous!
What a world you have!
I never knew that about the toes. Very interesting.
Never seen a lying Buddha….
Very special position 🙂
You see the most fascinating places and thanks for sharing them with us.
Nicholas