Overview:

is the most important and largest royal temple in the ancient capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya. It was originally built during the 14th century by King Ramathibodi I (U Thong Dynasty), the founder of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was used as exclusively as the royal temple for housing the ancient Capital City’s most sacred Buddha image, the Phra Si Sanphet. The temple was also home to the remains of royalty, as their ashes were interred in chedi or “stupas” in its grounds. In its heyday, it was among the grandest and largest in old Ayutthaya. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Thailand
Prominent Features:

1. Prang (or stupa): The grandest feature of Wat Phra Si Sanphet is its prang (or stupa), made of laterite mudstone and topped with a golden spire. This structure stands at a height of 30 meters and is said to contain important relics from Buddha. 2. Grand Palace & Wihan: Wat Phra Si Sanphet is home to the ruins of the Grand Palace & Wihan that served as the residence of former Kings. This area is surrounded by walls and guarded by two impressive stucco-covered gateways. 3. Chedis: One of the most famous features of Wat Phra Si Sanphet is its collection of chedis, or pagodas. These small stupas are over 250 years old and feature intricately carved pillars and beautiful designs. 4. Great Bell: Located near the entrance of Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a massive bell which was cast in 1775 and is believed to be the largest of its kind in Thailand. The bell is rung by two monks on each side, who repeatedly strike the inside of the bell with hammers. 5. Small Monuments: In addition to the impressive chedis and bell, Wat Phra Si Sanphet also features a number of small monuments and statues, such as a replica of the 5th-century Emerald Buddha, and a statue of a kneeling Buddha. This national monument of Thailand portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is an ancient Angkorian-style Buddhist temple located in the center of the former Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Thailand. Originally built in the 14th century, the temple was the first of its kind to be constructed in the city. It was originally called Wat Phra Si Sanphetlai, but due to the attrition of time, it has since been reduced to speak in Thai as simply Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Wat Phra Si Sanphet is one of the most important icons in the history of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and symbolizes the development of the Ayutthayan Empire in Siam. The construction of the temple was ordered by King U–Thong and was completed in 1350. King U–Thong then decreed that Wat Phra Si Sanphet be the royal temple of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Wat Phra Si Sanphet was used in the coronation ceremonies of the former Ayutthayan kings. It was a noteworthy Wat of importance not only to the Kingdom of Ayutthaya but also to the citizens of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. It has been a place of gathering and a spot for worshipping since its inception. The temple was destroyed in 1767 by Burmese attackers and much of the temple's architecture was destroyed in the war. After the war, renovation efforts were made to restore it to its glory and the temple was re-completed in 1794 by Rama I. Today, Wat Phra Si Sanphet is under the supervision of the Fine Arts Department and is part of the Historical Park of Ayutthaya. The temple and its grounds are popular tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors annually. You must visit one of these historical places in Thailand on your Thailand tour

Interesting facts:

1. Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the grandest and most important temple of the old city of Ayutthaya in Thailand. 2. At the time of its construction in 18th century, the temple was the largest and most beautiful temple of all Ayutthaya temples. 3. The temple houses several of Buddha images, its Ordinating Hall, a huge chedi, a bell-shaped Viharn and several subordinate halls. 4. The temple is of great religious significance and it was also used as a personal temple of King Prasat Thong. 5. Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the only temple that has not been rebuilt or renovated. It is thus the only temple that still preserves its original layout and structures. 6. The main structure of the temple is a large chedi which is believed to have contained the relics of the Lord Buddha. 7. The temple was mostly destroyed by the Burmese invaders in the year 1767. 8. After the fall of Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was deserted and it was not until the mid 20th century that a team of Thai architects were assigned the task of restoring the ruins. 9. In 1991, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit one of the famous monuments of Thailand with your friends and family.