Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit Ayutthaya Thailand
Planning to visit Ayutthaya Historical Park? In my travel blog I take you on a journey to explore one of the most magnificent temples in Thailand – Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit in Ayutthaya. This temple is home to one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand.
However, its history is not without tragedy, as it has been struck by lightning and destroyed multiple times, only to be rebuilt with the dedication of Siamese artisans and the support of generous donors. Join me as I delve into the rich history and cultural significance of this remarkable temple.
Phra Mongkhon Bophit translates to large bronze seated Buddha image of the Holy and Supremely Auspicious Reverence.
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit Ayutthaya
Wihan Mongkhon Bophit History
It is a mix of old and new temple architecture of Thailand. Initially it was just a *Mondop built to protect the huge bronze Buddha image, but over the years lot of renovations and repairs took place.
(Mondop – a building form in traditional Thai religious architecture featuring a square or cruciform building with a usually pointed roof.)
As I delved deeper into the history of Phra Mongkhon Bophit, I learned that the Buddha image was actually built back in 1538, as per the Luang Prasoet version of the Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya. It was then known as Wat Chi Chiang. However, tragedy struck when lightning struck the Wat, leaving it in ruins and damaging the idol of Buddha.
It wasn’t until the reign of King Songtham (1610/1611 – 1628) that the large bronze Buddha image was cast and moved to the west, where a mondop was built over it. But unfortunately, lightning struck the spire of the mondop again during the reign of King Sua (1703-1709), causing a fire. This resulted in the roof collapsing on the Buddha image and breaking its neck and head.
King Sua ordered the mondop to be demolished and a new tall preaching hall to be built. It took Siamese artisans two years to complete the construction of the vihara, which was followed by a three-day festival to celebrate its completion.
The mid-17th century brought another tragedy when the Burmese attacked Ayutthaya and set everything on fire, including the vihara. The roof was damaged and the head and right arm of the Buddha image were broken. Amidst all the chaos, King Ekathat (1758 – 1767) was smuggled out of the Grand Palace by his loyal followers, but was later abandoned in Chik Village near the Sangkhawat Monastery.
The retreating Burmese army spotted him and took him hostage, and he died shortly after being taken to the fortification at Pho Sam Ton. His body was buried at a mound in the Royal cremation grounds in front of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, as ordered by Suki, the Mon General in charge of the Burmese rear guard.
Six months later, after chasing out the Burmese from the Pho Sam Ton fortification, General Taksin ordered the exhumation of King Ekathat’s remains and organized a royal ceremonious cremation. It’s a tumultuous history for a monument that stands tall and proud today, reminding us of the strength and resilience of the Thai people.
All these stories of the huge Buddha image I heard and read before I entered the Wat, but nothing prepared me for the sight that lay ahead.
As I approached Phra Mongkhon Bophit, I couldn’t help but feel awestruck by its sheer size. It was breathtaking to see one of the largest bronze Buddha images in all of Thailand before my very eyes. The huge idol was shining so brightly that it seemed to be made of gold to me.
The dimensions were staggering, with a width of approximately 9.5 meters across the lap and a towering height of 12.5 meters (excluding the pedestal). The Buddha image was seated in the position of Subduing Mara, exuding a sense of calm and strength. It was truly a magnificent sight and a reminder of the richness of Thai culture and history.
Definitely an image worth protecting and preserving for the future generations!
A Buddha face pasted with real gold leaf on display there.
Local devotees paste small leaves of gold on Buddha face
Recent Developments
In 1956, during an official visit of the Prime Minister of Burma to Ayutthaya, a generous donation was given for the restoration of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. The vihara was completed in 1957, but unfortunately, it didn’t match the exquisite craftsmanship of the original one.
In 1992, the Mongkhon Bophit Foundation covered the statue of Phra Mongkhon Bophit with gold leaf to celebrate the 60th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. It was a stunning sight to see the golden statue glimmering in the sunlight.
Also an old photograph on display showing the damaged image.
Picture of the Buddha image
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit Information
Address: SubDistrict: Pratu Chai, District: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Province: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000
Location: It is located on the south side of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Take the same route as the way to Khum Khun Phaen
Activities: A must visit for history buffs, architecture lovers and spiritually inclined tourists.
Timings: Open everyday 7 AM to 3 PM.
Tickets: No tickets required to enter. It is a free sight.
Facilities: Local guides, parking, washrooms, souvenir shops
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, a visit to Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit in Ayutthaya, Thailand is a must for those interested in history, architecture and Buddhism. Despite the many natural disasters and invasions that have befallen this magnificent temple over the centuries, it remains a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Thai people.
From the impressive bronze statue of the Buddha to the beautifully crafted mondop and vihara, there is much to admire and contemplate here. And with ongoing restoration efforts and the continued support of organizations like the Mongkhon Bophit Foundation, this temple will surely continue to inspire visitors for generations to come.
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You are mighty lucky and blessed to visit these holy places
that Buddha statue is really gorgeous
What a history! Wow!
Incredible images. Thank you also for the historical information, very, very interesting!
Hi Indrani,
It feels good to catch up on your latest posts here, which are always interesting to read. Thank you. I wish you a happy 2010.
Very informative.The first 3 pics are great.
Great pictures and thanks for sharing the history…
Wow, that is HUGE!
I see you visited several wats when you were here. I rarely see temples with a mixture of new style; I usually see only the old ones here.
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Gorgeous art and architecture.
simply amazing
thanks for your new information.Nice image with the blog.
The terms they use and similar usage in our country too. It is a small world!
The peeling paint of the golden buddha was the most beautiful thing. Close up was so much better.
The gold Buddha is my favorite.
I found Wat Bophit a bit too "touch-me-not"slick for a place of worship. I mean, it was too much like a beautiful, polished showcase exhibit :-). But we got good picture- post- card like photos !!!
Very interesting and fine images, Indrani. Splendid the temple and the statue.
Have a nice day!
Beautiful shots Indrani.
I've seen these a long time ago.
Before the digital age( took some in film:))
Regards.
Thanks for taking us there Indrani..
Nice Info & pics.
it must have been magical to visit places like this one. a visit that's going to stay in you forever.
http://www.ewok1993.wordpress.com
truly wonderful images. another place wandered. thanks for sharing.
Thanks for this interesting information, Indrani! I saw in Bangkok the enormous image of the golden recumbent Buddha, which was very impressive too. There were so many other buddhas, that we couldn't take it all in. The temples were also very beautiful.
Am amazing gold buddha – how beautiful. Glad they're restoring all this stuff.
Thailand seems full of wondrous things – lovely photos.
Oh it is so beautiful. I did paste some gold leaf on the buddha before, both in Singapore and Thailand.
lovely
that was wonderful!
Beautiful temple and I love the shots of the Buddha. The expression on the one with the close up is wonderful.
the gold leaf work is beautiful!!! and these places are so well kept and managed, it must be a pleasure to visit them!!
Astounding. These Buddhas are so serene. Beautiful.
Thank you for the history and the wonderful photos. It's good the damage has been repaired so that we in this century can appreciate the beauty too.
Thanks for putting across all the details along with some great pics! The golden buddha looks so peaceful.. i liked the architecture of the temple. Very unique!
Fantastic building.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
Marvelous post, Indrani! Always love all that I learn from your posts and your gorgeous captures! These are stunning as always! Have a lovely week!
Sylvia
The Burmese Prime Minister knows the law of karma …
🙂
Wonderful post Idrani, as always!
Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful history of beautiful Wat. The golden image of Buddha is gorgeous.
Wow!!
Beautiful buddha
I like that golden face
🙂