Overview:

is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Phitsanulok in northern Thailand. It is considered one of Thailand's most important temples and is the center of the Thammayut Nikaya Buddhist sect. The temple is famous for its highly-decorated central prang and is home to a revered statue of the Buddha, known as Phra Buddha Chinnarat. The temple is also home to numerous monuments, artworks, and shrines that reflect the richness of Thai Buddhist culture. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Thailand
Prominent Features:

1. Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat is one of the most important and holiest Buddhist temples in Thailand. It contains the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand and is believed to date back to the 14th century. 2. The Emerald Buddha is a highly venerated and sacred image of the Lord Buddha and has been held in the royal family since 1434. It is believed to bring wealth and prosperity to those who come to see it. 3. The complex of the temple is surrounded by a high wall and contains numerous halls, monuments, chedis, and stupas which are all decorated with intricate carvings, sculptures, and statues. 4. The temple grounds feature an unusual standing Buddha image carved from solid sandstone. This image is believed to date back to the 6th century and is held in high reverence among the local people. 5. The murals and frescoes that decorate the walls of the temple depict scenes from the Ramayana, the Jataka tales, and other aspects of Buddhism. 6. The temple is famous for its annual candle procession during the full moon of May or June, which attracts thousands of devotees from around the world. 7. Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat is a popular pilgrimage site and frequented by tourists and locals alike. It is believed to bring blessings and peace to people who visit this serene and sacred spot. This national monument of Thailand portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat, also known as "Wat Yai”, is a Buddhist temple located in Phitsanulok province, Thailand. The temple is over 600 years old, and is located on the banks of the Nan River. Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat houses the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat Buddha image, one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images. The temple was declared a national historic site in the 1930s. The temple is believed to have been founded in 1357 by King U Thong, who wanted to provide a permanent place for the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat image, which had been enshrined at the Lom Sak River. Wat Yai was initially known as Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, and was the first Thai temple to have its own stucco-covered chedis. The temple was further developed by subsequent rulers, and eventually became one of the most important religious sites in the region. In 1735, under the reign of King Boromakot, the temple underwent renovations. A new sermon hall and Viharn, as well as eight big chedis, were built on the grounds. King Boromakot ordered that all Buddha images at the temple be covered in gold leaf. The temple’s main Buddha image was given the name Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, which means “the buddha subduing the lion’s power”. During the reign of another monarch, King Rama IV, the temple underwent additional renovations and expansion. A larger sermon hall was built, and the temple continued to be a popular destination for pilgrims. In addition to hosting an annual fair, the temple also served as the official residence for the monks of the district. The temple continues to be an important site for pilgrimages, attracting pilgrims from throughout Thailand and even abroad. The temple also serves as the home to many important Buddhist artifacts, and its chedis have become one of the main tourist attractions in Phitsanulok province. Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat serves as a reminder of the devotion of the Thai people to their faith, and its incredible architecture and history make it a must-see destination when visiting Thailand. You must visit one of these historical places in Thailand on your Thailand tour

Interesting facts:

1. Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok is one of the oldest and most important religious monuments in Thailand. 2. The temple is also known as “Wat Yai” which means Big Temple. It was built in 1357 AD during the Ayutthaya period. 3. The main feature of the temple is a massive Buddha statue known as Phra Attharot. It was built from cast bronze and is believed to be more than 700 years old. 4. There are many smaller sculptures and Buddha images located around the compound. 5. The temple also contains several stupas, one of them being the chedi of King Naresuan, who is one of the most important historical figures in Thailand. 6. Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat is also home to the world’s longest reclining Buddha image, measuring 15 meters in length and 7 meters in height. 7. Every year, thousands of visitors pay respect to the Buddhist temple, attracting Buddhists from all over the world. Visit one of the famous monuments of Thailand with your friends and family.