Phetchaburi: Wat Mahathat Worawiharn’s Inspiring Spires
Nida Tunsuttiwong
Located about 160 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, Phetchaburi province's best known attractions are Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park and the coastal town of Cha-am. But few visitors are aware that the province's main town is also home to the ancient temple of Wat Mahathat Worawiharn.
While there are no written records to confirm the precise date of the temple's establishment, bones and other items discovered on the site suggest it was built between the Dvaravati period (500-1200) and the Sukhothai period (1238-1438). In 1916, King Rama VI promoted Wat Mahathat Worawiharn to the Worawihan class of Royal temple.
Architectural Flair
The temple's most outstanding architectural feature is its intricately carved Phra Prang Ha Yod ('Five Peak Prang [Spire]'), which is formally known as Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat. The tallest spire reaches a height of about 54 meters, while each of the spires contains important Buddha relics. The spires are surrounded by a viharn kod (a kind of gallery with a roof) and 193 Buddha images. Most of these Buddha images take the form of the late Ayutthaya architectural style.
The spires have undergone five major renovations, with the first one taking place in 1814.
During one renovation, ancient silver and gold Buddha statues were discovered, along with Buddha relics stored inside. To access the spires and the gallery, visitors need to walk through a hall called Viharn Luang, which was constructed during the reign of Somdet Phra Chaoyuhua Boromakot (1732-1758) towards the end of Ayutthaya period (1351-1767).
The hall features mural paintings that recount certain periods of the life of the Lord Buddha.
The incredibly-detailed main Buddha statue is dressed in an ancient Royal costume, including decorative items, such as a necklace and crown.
Nearby is the ordination hall and a small pavilion known as Viharn Noi ('the small hall'). In here sits a large Buddha image called Luang Por U-Thong.
Another architectural feature that makes this temple stand out from many others is the white stucco that adorns the Luang and Noi viharns. The stucco that decorates the doors, windows and roofs was originally formed into the shapes of angels or demons, along with some characters from the epic poem Phra Aphai Mani, penned by Sunthorn Phu, Thailand’s best known poet.
Visitors can also visit the temple’s museum, where many ancient Buddha images, artifacts and examples of porcelain are on display.
Wat Mahathat opens daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
Transport Connections:
Car:
Route One
From Bangkok, take Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) all the way to Phetchaburi province’s Muang district. Keep left when you pass through the downtown area and turn left in front of Phetcharat Hospital. Follow Bandai-It Road until you reach a T-junction, where you should turn left. You will see the temple on your left.
Route Two
From Bangkok, take Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) all the way to Phetchaburi province’s Muang district. Highway 4 then divides. If you bear right, you'll head towards Hua Hin, so continue straight ahead, which will lead you into the province's main downtown area. Make a right turn at Khiriratthaya Road and head towards a T-junction. Turn left here in the direction of Bandai-It Road. On arrival at the next T-junction, turn left into Damnoen Kasem Road. You’ll soon see the temple on your left.
Route References
You can find a map of the neighborhood here.
POI: 13.10549, 99.94734
Credit: TAN Network (www.tannetwork.tv)
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