Wat Mahathat is one of the oldest and most important temples in Thailand, located in the historic city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is famous for its iconic and mysterious image of a Buddha head embedded in the roots of a banyan tree, as well as its rows of headless Buddhas and its ancient ruins.
In this article, we will provide you with an informative and comprehensive guide to Wat Mahathat, covering its history, architecture, significance, and activities. You will also find some tips and recommendations for visiting the temple and exploring the surrounding area.
The History and Architecture of Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya
Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya was built in the 14th century by King Borommaracha I, the third king of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The temple was the largest and most important temple of the kingdom, as it housed the relics of the Buddha and served as the royal monastery and the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of Buddhism. The temple was also the center of political and religious ceremonies, such as the coronation of the kings and the annual celebration of the Buddha’s enlightenment.
The temple complex consisted of a large prang (reliquary tower), surrounded by four smaller prangs, four chedis (stupas), and a viharn (assembly hall). The prang was the main feature of the temple, rising to a height of 50 meters and decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The prang symbolized Mount Meru, the mythical mountain at the center of the Buddhist cosmology. The chedis contained the ashes of the royal family and the high-ranking monks. The viharn housed a large bronze Buddha image, which was the principal object of worship.
The temple was destroyed in 1767, when the Burmese army invaded and sacked Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siamese Kingdom. The Burmese set fire to the temple, causing the prang to collapse and the Buddha image to melt. They also decapitated most of the Buddha statues in the temple, as they believed that the heads contained gold and precious stones. The temple was left in ruins, and the relics of the Buddha were lost.
The Main Attractions and Features of Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya
Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya is now a historic site and a cultural landmark, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The temple offers a unique and impressive sight of the ancient and spiritual heritage of Thailand, as well as a glimpse into the rise and fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The main attractions and features of the temple are:
The Buddha head:
The most famous and recognizable symbol of the temple is the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree. The origin of the Buddha head is unknown, but it is believed that it was either hidden by a monk or a local to protect it from the Burmese invaders, or that it was left behind by a thief who could not carry it away. The roots of the tree grew around the head over time, creating a natural and mystical fusion of nature and art. The Buddha head is revered by the locals and the visitors alike, and it is considered a sacred and auspicious object. Visitors are required to respect the Buddha head by kneeling or sitting lower than the head when taking photos or admiring it.
The headless Buddhas:
The rows of Buddha statues that line the walls and the pathways of the temple are another striking feature of the temple. Most of the statues have been decapitated by the Burmese invaders, leaving only their torsos and limbs. Some of the statues have been restored with new heads, while others remain headless. The headless Buddhas are a reminder of the brutality and the tragedy of the war, as well as the resilience and the faith of the people. The statues also represent the different styles and periods of the Buddhist art in Thailand, such as the Sukhothai, the U-Thong, and the Ayutthaya styles.
The ruins:
The remnants of the prang, the chedis, and the viharn that once formed the temple complex are another attraction of the temple. The ruins are scattered around the temple grounds, creating a contrast between the past and the present, the glory and the decay, and the life and the death. The ruins also offer a chance to explore and appreciate the architecture and the craftsmanship of the temple, as well as to imagine how it looked like in its heyday. Some of the ruins have been preserved and restored by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand, while others have been left in their original state.
The Tips and Recommendations for Visiting Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya
Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya is a must-see destination for anyone who is interested in the history, culture, and religion of Thailand. The temple is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the admission fee is 50 baht per person. The temple is located in the historical park of Ayutthaya, which covers an area of 289 hectares and contains hundreds of temples, palaces, and monuments. The historical park is about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok, and it can be reached by car, bus, train, or boat.
Here are some tips and recommendations for visiting the temple and exploring the area:
Dress appropriately: As Wat Mahathat is a religious site, visitors are expected to dress respectfully and modestly. This means covering the shoulders, the chest, and the knees, and avoiding wearing shorts, skirts, tank tops, or sleeveless shirts. Visitors are also required to remove their shoes before entering the temple grounds, and to avoid touching or climbing on the Buddha statues or the ruins.
Hire a guide: To get the most out of your visit, you may want to hire a guide who can explain the history and the significance of the temple and the other attractions in the area. You can find guides at the entrance of the temple or the historical park, or you can book one online or through your hotel. The guides usually charge around 200 to 300 baht per hour, and they can speak English and other languages.
Rent a bike: One of the best ways to explore the historical park and the city of Ayutthaya is by renting a bike. You can find bike rental shops near the entrance of the historical park or the train station, or you can ask your hotel to arrange one for you. The bike rental fee is around 50 baht per day, and it includes a helmet and a lock. You can also get a map of the historical park and the city from the bike rental shop or the tourist information center. Biking around the historical park and the city is a fun and convenient way to see the sights and to experience the local life.
Visit other temples: Wat Mahathat is not the only temple worth visiting in the historical park and the city of Ayutthaya. There are many other temples that have their own charm and beauty, such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phanan Choeng, and Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. Each temple has its own history, architecture, and features, and they are all within a short distance from Wat Mahathat. You can visit them by bike, by tuk-tuk, or by boat, and you can spend a whole day or more exploring them.
Enjoy the food and the culture: Ayutthaya is not only a historical and spiritual destination, but also a culinary and cultural one. The city offers a variety of food and drinks that reflect its rich and diverse heritage, such as the roti sai mai (cotton candy wrapped in thin pancakes), the boat noodles (noodles in a spicy broth with meat and herbs), the khao mok gai (chicken biryani), and the cha yen (Thai iced tea). You can find these and other delicacies at the street stalls, the markets, the restaurants, and the cafes around the city. You can also enjoy the culture and the festivals of the city, such as the Loy Krathong (the festival of lights), the Songkran (the water festival), and the Wai Kru (the teacher’s day).
Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya, Thailand, is a historic and spiritual temple with a mysterious Buddha head. The temple is a witness and a testament to the ancient and glorious past of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, as well as the present and the future of the Thai people. The temple offers a unique and impressive sight of the Buddha head, the headless Buddhas, and the ruins, as well as a chance to learn and appreciate the history, architecture, and significance of the temple. The temple is also a gateway to the historical park and the city of Ayutthaya, which are full of other temples, attractions, and experiences. Visiting Wat Mahathat is a rewarding and unforgettable experience that you should not miss.
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