Visit to Wat Na Phra Men in Historic City of Ayutthaya, Thailand
During the tour of Wats in Ayutthaya we stumbled on Wat Na Phra Meru. Our guide took patience to explain the history of this Wat. Wat Na Phra Men is also known by the names: Wat Na Phra Meru or the Monastery in Front of the Funeral Pyre.
History of Wat Na Phra Meru
This beautiful old temple built in 1503 has very interesting history. It was constructed by King Ramadhibodhi II, the tenth king of Ayuthaya dynasty. A historic peace accord between Tabengchaveti, the king of Burma and Somdet Phramachakraphat, the fifteenth king of Ayutthaya dynasty was signed here. It was meant to stop the war in 1563.
The two kings discussed peace here with the image of Buddha, the holy book and the monks as witness. I found it interesting to note that PEACE agreements were signed then too!
Ubosot or ordination hall Wat Na Phra Meru
Two centuries later in 1760 A.D., Thailand was once more attacked by the Burmese. This temple was then used as a base by the invaders. Shells were fired from here to destroy the royal palace. Alonphaya, the Burmese king himself operated the canons to destroy the palace. One of the canons burst during the firing operations which killed the Burmese King. Since then it is believed that the Buddha image protects Ayutthaya from its enemies.
Peepal Tree worshiped in Ayutthaya
Wat Na Phra Men Architecture
Notice the details in the ubosot’s gable before you step in. This gable of Wat Na Phra Meru is regarded as one of the most beautiful pieces of art work from Ayutthaya Historic Park. It is carved wood primed with black lacquer and covered with gold leaf.
The panel features Bhagwan Vishnu (in Thailand called Phra Narai or Narayan) mounted on Garuda (His vehicle). This is carved on top of the head of demon Rahu placed between two Nagas (snakes). The whole image is flanked by 26 celestial beings (deva or thewada).
Each of Vishnu’s four hands is shown holding the sacred weapons – a trident, a discus, a conch and a baton. Notice on top of Vishnu there is a royal tiered umbrella. Behind his head there is an arch-framed halo.
Gable of Ubosot Wat Na Phra Meru
Buddha Image at Wat Na Phra Men
This main Buddha image is extremely beautiful. It is cast in bronze, then lacquered and covered with gold plate. Most noteworthy here is that Buddha image is in sitting posture, dressed in royal robe. This depicts Lord Buddha as a prince before he left home to gain enlightenment and is a very rare one.
Buddha is seen seated in Subduing Mara position. Full name is Phra Buddha Nimitr Vichit Maramoli Sisanpeth Boromtrailokanat.
The crowned Buddha in the ubosot Wat Na Phra Meru Ayutthaya
Inside the Wi-hahn, we saw a huge green sandstone statue of Buddha. It is believed to be from Sri Lanka, 1500 years old belonging to the Dvaravati period 707 – 757AD. The height of the image is 5.2 m that is three times normal human size. It is the largest figure of a seated Buddha with his feet placed on a lotus pedestal in a western style manner, legs apart. Seated Buddha Image in the style of the Dvaravati culture, also called the European way of sitting.
Phra Khantharat in the small vihara – this is huge, you can get idea of the size from the monk sitting beside at left bottom corner of the pic
The Buddha image “Phra Khantharat” is also known by the name Phra Sri Ariamet Trai. It was carved in green stone in the Gupta style, typical during 4th to 6th century – the Gupta era.
The Gupta era – During these centuries the workshops at Sarnath, a monastic complex built on the site of the Buddha’s first sermon, became the centre of artistic influence. A particular type of Buddha image was produced here. The body is covered by a diaphanous robe, which clings to the figure while flaring at the sides. This became the prototype for a multitude of images made later.
The unique feature of this Buddha image is the joint eyebrows; this is typical of that period.
Phra Khantharat
This Buddha image has several remarkable features writes Kasetsiri and Wright:
The halo around the image’s head has tongue flames indicates Chinese influence. The short hemline exposing the left knee, looks different from those of other images in Thailand but this is similar to the images of Maitreya created during the Tang dynasty in China. Both hands of the image rest on the knees, which is different from the postures known in Thailand, but apparently this was arranged at a later stage.
Location of Wat Na Phra Meru in Ayutthaya
It is located off the city island in the northern area of Ayutthaya in Tha Wasukri sub-district. The temple is located along Khlong Sra Bua (Lily Pond Canal) and the north bank of the Khlong Mueang (City Canal) just opposite the ancient Grand Palace (now ruin of Wat Sri Sanphet).
Geographical coordinates of Wat Na Phra Meru: 14° 21′ 45.70″ N, 100° 33′ 31.46″ E.
Don’t miss this Wat if you are ever there.
Tickets and Timings
Wat Na Phra Men is open from 8 AM to – 6 PM. Admission fees are 20 baht for all foreigners.
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Thank you.You made my day with these wonderful posts that I am seeing only now
lovely..:) happy new year to you…hope to see you travel to more exotic places in 2010
My wishes for you,
Great start for Jan,
Love for Feb,
Peace for March,
No worries for April,
Fun for May,
Joy for June to Nov,
Happiness for Dec,
Have a lucky and wonderful 2010, Indrani!
*hugs*
Atmosphere suggestive and amazing images: wonderful post!
Thanks and Happy New Year!!!
🙂
Hi Indrani! Ayuthaya looks wonderful; have to see it one day life… Meanwhile I enjoy your lovely pictures!!
Blogtrotter has reached the January 2009 trips! Not bad; just one year delay… 😉
Enjoy and enter 2010 in great shape! Wish you all the best for the New Year!!!
Beauty is every where.
The pictures are just great.
That is quite an interesting scope Indrani. As always and ever. From the image of your photography to your never ending well of information; so well-researched. You definitely know your products so well-blended with your own innate intelligence. That I salute you of.
Thank you very much Indrani for all your kind support that made my bloglife colourful.
May you have a joyous and blessed safe season.
All the best!
Very nice Buddha statue. Not only he has joint eyebrows he is also in much slimmer shape, which I guess was more typical 1500 years ago.
Very beautiful and the atmosphere matches the peaceful look of The Buddha
I wish to you and your family Merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful new year
Signing peace agreements means you'll be at war soon – without exception.
What a gorgeous temple – the yellow adornments are spectacular and the Buddha out of this world.
Great photos.
Merry Xmas!
hi indrani! amazing thai fotos as usual, esp, those gabled roofs. ^0^
merry christmas! ^-^
Wonderful tour. I wish I had REALLY been with you to see this in person.
great images 🙂
After braving the aggressive Christmas shopping crowds in town, these relaxing photos were just what I needed to go and see.
the temple architecture looks unique and beautiful.
Such a beautiful place with an interesting history. Good to think of the peace agreement being signed there way back when.
Beautiful Buddhas, but I love the one from the Dvaravati period. It's so simple and sober! it's the image of a man who meditates.
Indrani,
I love your posts on the Wat's. The Buddha's in this post are especially interesting. Love the roof lines. Now I know where the roof lines on spirit houses come from!
Very intersting and such nice pictures ! A completely other world ! I have never been to Thailand (yet) but my son was and found it so beautiful.
looks like a beautiful place to visit!
leethroughthelens.blogspot.com
Oh it is so beautiful. I saw similar palaces in cambodia and was amazed at their architectural designs.
very interesting post. captivating history, beautiful temples and Buddhas.
Beautiful and restful. Such wonderful temples and Buddhas.
Amazing snaps and very informative Indra! and yes no name can match Buddha when we talk about peace!
gorgeous temple and beautiful idols, wonderfully presented …
thank you
Amazing history of the temple. The architecture of the temple is a beauty and I loved the sandstone Buddha statue.
Great photos and history. And thanks for your comment about Shiva at Kali's feet. I learned something! I assumed it was a demon – how interesting that it's Shiva she stands on!
After spending too much time in Sukhothai I didn't visit Ayuthaya! I think I put it back on my wishlist 🙂
Happy New Year!
Beautiful pictures and a very interesting post.
Pretty pix. Love the golden buddha image.
Amazing architecture.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
That is a wonderful looking place. That Buddha is spectacular.
FUNNY roof 🙂
So unique …..
Your buddha's looking very peaceful
mine buddha's in my garden are almost gone
(I see only a little piece there is so many snow here….. )
LOL
Thanks for sharing the beauty from Thailand 🙂
Great pictures! Love the frill like towers on the temple esp the 2nd photo…