Thailand

Renowned for its golden Buddha adorned in royal robes with resplendent jewels, Wat Na Phra Men is one of Ayutthaya's flagship temples.

Travelers to the city of Ayutthaya expect to find only the ruins of Khmer-style temples resembling mountains. However, Wat Na Phra Men, a Buddhist monastery from the 15th century, stands out as an exception. Located just across from the old palace, abandoned in 1760 and restored 75 years later to its original structure, this temple breaks the mold. Unlike the typical temples with crowned prangs or red sandstone and laterite ruins, Wat Na Phra Men derives its prestige from a collection of ancient Buddha images. These images, crafted across different periods, reflect various artistic movements in Thailand and were saved during the sacking of the city in 1767. Among them, the most magnificent is undoubtedly the Phra Phuttha Nimit, a Buddha adorned in royal attire, prominently displayed on the ubosot altar, the holiest part of the temple.

Whether visiting as a couple or with family, your cultural escapade in Ayutthaya would be incomplete without exploring Wat Na Phra Men.

History

Wat Na Phra Men was commissioned by King Ramathibodi II, who reigned over Ayutthaya from 1491 to 1529. Its name—"temple in front of the crematorium"—suggests it was initially intended for funerary use by the king. Located across from the old palace, on the opposite bank of the river, it was situated near a public space where cremation rituals took place. Historical accounts vary; some suggest it was where the ashes of royal family members were burned, while others propose it served as a site for executing criminals. Ethnologists debate these interpretations, but the most intriguing historical fact lies elsewhere.

The sanctuary played a crucial role during Burma's military conquests against Siam. Two anecdotes from the Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya are noteworthy:

In the 16th century, King Bayinnaung of Burma felt slighted upon hearing news that King Chakkrapphat of Siam had acquired large numbers of white elephants as war spoils and refused to surrender two elephant heads. Seeking revenge, Bayinnaung decided to attack Ayutthaya. Seeing he lacked strength, King Chakkrapphat engaged in a peace treaty, erecting a dual-throne royal palace near Wat Na Phra Men.

The second, more famous anecdote occurred in 1760, when Ayutthaya faced another Burmese raid. Invaders camped near the Lopburi riverbank and aimed cannons at the temple and Grand Palace. Alaungphraya, the Burmese ruler at the time, was about to fire when struck by a large cannonball. Faced with their leader's injury, the Burmese retreated, sparing the temple from destruction. They interpreted this accident as a dire omen. Thus, Wat Na Phra Men escaped the fate of other temples in the city, which were pillaged and razed mercilessly.

Today

Wat Na Phra Men, also known as Wat Na Phra Meru, stands uniquely preserved amidst the invaders' fury. Recognized as a national historical monument by the Thai Fine Arts Department since 1935, it lacks the majestic prangs typical of Ayutthaya's temples and Khmer ruins. Its allure lies in the ancient Buddha statues displayed within, offering insights into Thailand's sculptural prowess.

Touring the Buddhist Temple

Elegantly evoking a bygone architectural style, Wat Na Phra Men sits near the Lopburi River, north of the Royal Palace. The complex includes an ordination hall, three stupas, and numerous monastic viharas.

The Vishnu mounted on a Garuda

Reflecting Hindu influences, images of Vishnu carried by the Garuda bird adorn the triangular pediment above the Ubosot entrance. They capture attention upon entering through the main gate. Admire the mythical bird triumphing over the naga, with celestial musicians (apsaras) flanking Vishnu on either side.

The Phra Phuttha Nimit, the temple's central statue

Upon entering the ubosot, visitors are drawn to a crowd gathered before the altar. Their gaze fixates on the Phra Phuttha Nimit, an imposing Buddha cast in bronze and adorned with gold leaf. Standing at 6 meters tall with a knee width of 4.5 meters, this statue exemplifies late Ayutthaya's regal Buddha images, adorned with precious jewels on the neck, arms, and chest.

The Luang Po Khao

Exiting the ubosot, head to a nearby pavilion near the stupas. Here, you'll discover a gleaming silver Buddha, estimated to be around 500 years old according to its engraved inscription. The chapel also houses a multitude of Buddhist iconographies, including the revered Phra Phuttha Lila from the Lopburi period.

The Phra Khan Thanrath, a Dravati-style Buddha

While the Phra Phuttha Nimit reigns as the temple's centerpiece, the quartzite Buddha from the Dravati era follows closely behind. Housed in a small teak wood viharn, this Buddha sits in an unusually depicted posture. While other icons in the sanctuary depict Buddha seated with hands in meditation or the right hand touching the ground in the Mara subduing posture, the Phra Khan Thanrath Buddha sits European-style. Carved from green stone, this image reflects the Dravati civilization's influence in Southeast Asia between the 7th and 12th centuries.

Practical information

Opening hours and admission

The temple opens daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on public holidays. The admission fee is 20 baht per person (approximately 0.56 euros).

Getting there

Wat Na Phra Men is located 7 km outside Ayutthaya city, a 15-minute drive away. Upon reaching the Royal Palace, follow the northward route along Naresuan Road, crossing the bridge. After about 20 meters, the temple will appear on the left side of the road.

Dress code

Appropriate attire is required out of respect for monks and devotees, who consider light clothing disrespectful to their religion.

Nearby attractions

After exploring Wat Na Phra Men, take your time to visit other quality sites and monuments nearby:

• Wat Mahathat
• Wat Phra Si Sanphet
• Ayutthaya Historical Park
• Chao Sam Phraya National Museum