Overview:

is the oldest and largest pagoda in Thailand. It belongs to the Mon people who built it more than 2,000 years ago. Its single central stupa stands 109 meters tall and is surrounded by many smaller stupas. The compound also includes two assemblies of Buddha images, a library, a museum, and a botanical garden. The locals believe that this temple is also a place of great spiritual power. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Thailand
Prominent Features:

1. Height: The Wat Phra Pathom Chedi is the tallest Muslim pagoda in the world standing at 127 meters (417 feet). 2. Design: Built in the classic Southeast Asian style, the structure ultimately consists of seven superimposed chedis (stupa) that get smaller as the pagoda rises up. 3. Statues: The grounds are also home to a few iconic statues, most notably a standing Buddha as well as a magnificent five meter tall white, seated Buddha inside an inner stupa. 4. Relic: It is believed to be the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Thailand, the home of a relic directly brought from India by an upon Buddha and his disciples, the Narats. 5. Admission: The admission fee to Wat Phra Pathom Chedi is 20 baht per person; children under six years old can enter for free. 6. Festivals: Many pilgrims and worshippers from all around Thailand flock to this holy attraction especially during the yearly Thai New Year festival (Songkran). This national monument of Thailand portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, commonly referred to as ‘Phra Chedi Pathom’, is located in Nakhon Pathom province in Thailand. The Chedi is believed to be the oldest Buddhist structure still standing today. Literature suggests that it dates back to the 9th century, making it the oldest Buddhist monument in Thailand. The Chedi’s height is approximately 120 meters and 130 meters in diameter at the base of the stupa. The Chedi is believed to contain the relic of Lord Buddha’s cremated remains. According to legend, the Chedi was built by the first king of Siam, Phra Ruang. He is said to have personally collected the relic of Lord Buddha located in India, bringing it back to his kingdom and enshrining it in the newly built Chedi. The Chedi has undergone many renovations over several centuries. The most recent major renovation was completed in 1955. Stone fragments from previous versions of the stupa were used in its restoration, so its current appearance reflects its rich and ancient history. The Chedi is now part of a larger Wat Phra Pathom Chedi temple complex. There are also many smaller stupas and shrines located on the grounds of the Chedi. The Wat Phra Pathom Chedi is a popular and iconic site for locals and tourists to visit. It is believed to be a place of spiritual energy for all who visit it. Each year, thousands of visitors come to the Wat Phra Pathom Chedi to pay their respects and celebrate important spiritual occasions. It is also a popular spot during the annual Pathom Chedi Festival which celebrates the Chedi’s ancient legend. You must visit one of these historical places in Thailand on your Thailand tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Wat Phra Pathom Chedi is the oldest and tallest Buddhist monument in Thailand, built during the 6th century. 2. The main stupa is in the shape of a bell and measures 127 meters in height. 3. The Chedi was originally built to house the Buddha’s remains. 4. A relic believed to be from the time of the historical Buddha is enshrined in the stupa 5. The Chedi is considered to be the place where Buddhism was first brought to Thailand from India. 6. Wat Phra Pathom Chedi formally contains the highest Buddhist pagoda in Thailand, 286 feet from the base of the stupa to the top of its colorful spire. 7. In the past, the Chedi was the most popular religious monument in Thailand, attracting devotees from all over the country. 8. Every year, thousands of people come to pay their respects to this sacred site and make merit-making offerings to the temple. 9. Around the Chedi are a number of ancient chapels and other religious structures. Visit one of the famous monuments of Thailand with your friends and family.