Thailand

While passing through Thailand, travelers spend most of their time visiting golden pagodas. For your next trip, remember to make your way to Wat Phra Pathom Chedi. Built in the 6th century by a regicide monarch, this stone monument is the most iconic landmark in Nakhon Pathom, a city in central Thailand! It holds this distinction as one of the six most revered temples in Thailand. It is revered because it houses an exceptional stupa, standing 127 meters tall, claiming the title of the tallest stupa in Thailand and the world. Drawing many pilgrims, the festival honoring Buddha Phra Ruang will satisfy your cultural wanderlust. A must-see during your tour of Nakhon Pathom!

History

Its founding in 539 assumes that Wat Phra Pathom Chedi dates back to the time when Buddhist missionaries began spreading their religion in Thailand. The temple attracted the interest of many rulers, including Ashoka, to name one. Despite this, it was plundered by the Burmese in the 11th century and left in ruin. Monks continued to inhabit the site without restoring the ruins.

The Act of Atonement by an orphan

The legend of the origin of this Buddhist temple is well known. Banished by King Phraya Gong on the advice of an astrologer's oracle, Phan was raised by a humble woman in Ratchaburi, unaware of his royal lineage. Fate later restored his rightful status. One day, the elephant of the lord of Ratchaburi caused trouble by attacking the locals. Phan skillfully intervened to calm the animal, earning his adoption by the regional master.

Soon, the throne's pride intoxicated the young boy, leading him to challenge another king to a duel. Tradition dictated that the defeated king's wife would marry the victor. Phan won the duel, only to discover that the deceased king's wife was his own mother, who revealed the truth to him. In a fit of rage, Phan ordered his adoptive mother's death.

The terrible oracle had come true: the child committed patricide and matricide. He sought redemption, but how? He consulted sages who advised him to build an extremely tall chedi, so tall that birds could not fly over it. Thus, the stupa of Wat Phra Pathom Chedi was born, and the prince appeased his conscience.

Restoration under the reign of King Mongkut

When Prince Mongkut visited in 1831, Wat Phra Pathom Chedi was in a pitiful state. As a monk himself, His Highness asked Rama III to restore the site, but his request was refused. It wasn't until twenty-two years later, when Mongkut ascended the throne as Rama IV, that the stupa could be rebuilt in the Sri Lankan style. It took 17 years to complete the work. The current form of the stupa dates back to the reign of Rama VI.

Four viharas (North, East, West, and South) also emerged, serving for Buddhist ceremonies and housing various artifacts found in the region.

Today

Description of the Temple

The pagoda stands at the heart of a vast square bustling with walkers and vendors. Arrive early to have the chapels to yourself before the mystical and idyllic atmosphere is overtaken by tourists. After crossing the bridge over the Chedi Bucha canal, the esplanade of Wat Phra Pathom Chedi unfolds before you. At night, food stalls occupy the same space, tempting gourmands to sample local specialties at affordable prices.

Visiting the Chedi and Viharas

Admire from afar this bell-shaped chedi of exceptional dimensions, bearing the signature Dvaravati art. It stands 127 meters tall, with a spherical base measuring 230 meters. The visit is organized into three levels. The ground floor is occupied by four beautiful viharas commissioned by Rama IV. The Ubosot, or ordination hall, is the main chapel of the temple. Inside, there are two dozen bells, among other decorative elements.

Entering the northern chapel, one lingers before the Buddha statue of Dvaravati origin, a unique representation of the Enlightened One seated in a European style. Next, murals depict the three stupas and legendary creatures of Buddhist lore.

Equally captivating, the western chapel is worth a visit, if only to discover its immense reclining Buddha, flanked by a myriad of miniature Buddhas. You will certainly appreciate the sight of devotees adorning the idol with a gold leaf as a sign of homage. The sound of coins in the metal bowl animates the room.

The southern chapel, meanwhile, houses remarkable paintings depicting the temple's history. The orientation of the viharas towards the four cardinal points reveals the architects' preference for spatial coherence.

Climbing the stairs to the top, you encounter a standing Buddha statue, with semi-open eyes and an attitude of perfect serenity. On the upper floor is the chedi itself: the walls of the room display the Dharma wheels and other elements of Buddhist belief in Sanskrit characters.

Gallery and Museums

Culture enthusiasts should not miss the temple museum, located below the northern vihara. Historical relics, paintings, sacred statues and statuettes, and other artifacts await you there. The collection spans from the 6th to the 11th centuries. The museum also provides extensive documentation on the region's history.

As you leave, take one last look at the majestic chedi, recall the finely decorated viharas, the Ubosot with its twenty-four bells, and reflect on the tragic legend that resonates within its walls. You will agree that Wat Phra Pathom Chedi rightfully deserves its place among the six Ratcha Wora Maha Wihans.

Festivities at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi

The temple hosts two important events: on November 2nd each year, a festival honoring Buddha Phra Ruang is celebrated in the square. Many faithful from surrounding regions flock to Nakhon Pathom to attend this ceremony. Pilgrims often bring vermilion-painted eggs, garlands, and flowers to honor the Buddha statue.

Another festival that punctuates monastery life is Phra Pathom Chedi, regularly held on the full moon night of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar. The festival's duration varies between 5 and 9 days, depending on the organizing committee's decision. On this occasion, monks collect funds for the temple and its chedi's maintenance.

Practical information

When to visit Wat Phra Pathom Chedi?

The temple welcomes visitors daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The National Museum of the Temple opens Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

The entrance fee for foreigners and residents is set at 40 baht (approximately 1.12 euros). To access the museum, an additional 30 baht (approximately 0.84 euros) is required.

How to get there?

To reach Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, take the train to Nakhon Pathom from the capital. Traveling in economy class costs around 20 baht per person.

Another convenient option is the minivan, which is faster than the train and completes the Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom route in about an hour, but at a higher cost. Expect to pay around 60 baht (approximately 1.68 euros) per person. Note that minivans from Bangkok relocated from Victory Monument to the city's three bus terminals (Mo Chit II, Ekkamai, and Southern Bus Terminal) on October 25, 2016.

Nearby attractions

Several interesting attractions are within walking distance of Wat Phra Pathom Chedi:

• Sanam Cham Palace;
• Jesada Technik Museum;
• Thai Rose Garden village;
• Wat Lam Phaya floating market.