Thailand

Who has visited the historic site of Ayutthaya without marveling at the three majestic chedis of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet? Defying the ravages of time, they evoke the splendor and opulence of a vanished empire.

The procession of Khmer ruins in the Venice of the East delights history and civilization enthusiasts. Among all these remnants, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was undoubtedly the most important and beautiful. Nestled within the Ayutthaya Historical Park, itself listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, losing oneself in the three chedis of the temple, these cyclopean bell-shaped structures containing the relics of deceased kings, feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages.

For a bit of history…

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet witnessed the birth of the Ayutthaya kingdom. It was founded in 1350 on the orders of the young prince U-Thong, who ascended the throne as Ramathibodi I. Its initial purpose was to serve as a royal palace. In 1448, Borom Trailokanat, the eighth ruler of Ayutthaya, converted it into a place of worship, after building himself a new palace north of the region, near the Lopburi River. It was during this year that the building officially took on the name Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which translates to "Temple of the Holy, Venerable, and Omniscient" in French.

Notable events of the monarchy were celebrated there with grandeur. It was where the coronations of the kings of Ayutthaya took place. Officers made their oath-taking ceremonies there. Military and civilian decoration ceremonies were also held there. No clergy resided permanently in the temple; it was only open to members of the royal family, apart from festive and solemn occasions.

Successive rulers of Ayutthaya took care to enlarge Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, each adding their own contribution to the structure. The most precious contribution came from Ramathibodi II, the son of Borom Trailokanat. He endowed the temple with the statue "Phra Sri Sanphetdayan," a towering 16-meter-high Buddha crafted from solid bronze and gold-plated both on the front and back. The bronze needed for casting the statue was estimated to weigh 64 tons, while the gold applied to the surface weighed approximately 343 kg. At the time, it was the most beautiful and largest Buddha statue ever made in all of Asia.

In 1767, Ayutthaya fell into the hands of the Burmese. They took everything, ravaged everything, and carried it all away. Only the three chedis were spared.

Today

As recently as 1935, the Thai Department of Fine Arts classified Wat Phra Sri Sanphet as a national historical monument.

Tour of the Buddhist Temple

The Temple of the Holy, Venerable, and Omniscient occupies the grounds of the former royal palace of Ayutthaya. It is comparable to the Wat Phra Kaew of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. To fully understand the layout of the structure, visitors are advised to enter through the main gate to the east. They will find themselves in a large courtyard dotted with partially collapsed chedis. The brick columns and walls have survived. Just opposite the main gate, there is a large sanctuary surrounded on both sides by a pair of smaller chapels. The left chapel must have been of royal rank, judging by its base consisting of two corner stones.

As visitors move towards the center of the temple, they cannot help but exclaim in admiration. A trio of majestic chedis raises their sharp points towards the sky. Mimicking the appearance of a bell, the chedis are raised from the ground by a platform. To the right of each of them is associated a mondop, a typical prayer hall where Buddha's footprints were engraved.

The first two chedis were completed in 1492, during the reign of Ramathibodi II. Following his coronation, Ramathibodi II fulfilled a filial duty by cremating the remains of his father and older brother, His Majesties Borom Trailokanat and Boromracha III.

The third chedi, on the other hand, dates from a later period (1529). Its foundation is attributed to Athittayawong, who inherited the throne upon the death of Ramathibodi II. In turn, Athittayawong preserved the remains of his deceased father there.

Once, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was enclosed by high walls that separated it from the rest of the palace complex. Four access gates, each facing the cardinal points, led inside. Along the walls alternated bells and pavilions, some of which are still recognizable.

Practical information

Prices and opening hours

The Khmer temple is open every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It closes two hours later during the high season (November to March). Foreigners must pay an entrance fee of 50 baht (1.4 euros).

How to get there?

Wat Phra Sri San Phet is located within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. You can reach it by bus, train, or boat from Bangkok.

In the surroundings

Did you enjoy visiting Wat Phra Sri Sanphet? Other Khmer ruins are to be seen within the historical park:

• Wat Mahathat;
• Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon;
• Wat Chai Watthanaram.