EXPLORE THAILAND THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY                            
Si Satchanalai Historical Park   -  Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat  
(26) วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุ  
 Address:        
 Known as:        
 Description:   This is a large historic temple complex located to the southeast of Si Satchanalai town. The decorative stucco bearing the Bayon art style of ancient Khmer found at the main entrance of the temple as well as archaeological evidence excavated here; including foundations of earlier brick structures found beneath 2 buildings called Wiharn (vihara) Luang and Wiharn Phra Song Phi Nong and fragments of roofing tile with designs in Bayon art style, point out clearly that Wat Phra Si Ratanamahathat was originally founded before Sukhothai kingdom. Some scholars suggest that it was firstly constructed during the times of Pho Khun Si Nao Nam Thum, or around the early 13th century AD. Important buildings of this temple that can be seen in the present are as follows.
The main shrine: This was built from blocks of laterite which were in turn covered with lime plaster and red paint. Architectural characteristics of the shrine as seen in the present indicate that it could be dated to the Early Ayutthaya period. However, there is some archaeological evidence suggesting that the shrine might have been built to cover an earlier structure, probably an important pre-Sukhothai period stupa or chedi.

Vihara of Luang Pho To: This building is situated in front of the main shrine. A huge Buddha Image of Maravijaya gesture was place inside this building.
Phra That Mutao: This is possibly remaining of a Mon style chedi built from blocks of laterite. It was certainly built in the different time from the shrine.

Mandapa of Phra Attharot: This building is situated just behind Phra That Mutao. As suggested by some scholars, the original mandapa might have sculptures of Buddha at each exterior wall and have a roof with ceramic tiles.
Wiharn Phra Song Phi Nong: Located to the left of the mandapa, this building was built from blocks of laterite directly on ruin of a brick building.

Uposatha (an ordination hall): The existing Uposatha, situated in front of vihara, is a new building constructed directly over the historic one.
Kuti Phra Ruang -Phra Lue: The local villagers also call this Sal Phra Ruang- Phra Lue shrine. Phra Ruang and Phra Lue are a couple of Image in royal attire. It is believed that they are image of two heroes in the legend of the founders of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai. The shrine was reconstructed in the same year as the Uposatha.
 
 Province   Sukhothai  Direction:      
 District   Si Satchanalai    
 City   Si Satchanalai  Comments:    Official Web:    
 Genre   Historic      Related links:      
 Best exposure   AM/PM          
 Rating              
 Opening time   N/A          
 Entry fee   Park fee     GPS :   17.42916 N 99.811016 E  
                     
                     
Click here to go back to the previous page
SUB-SITES PICTURES:    
 Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat  xx
 

Site optimized for IE10 and Screen resolution above 1280X1024
Droits de reproduction et diffusion reserves
Copyright © 2015 P-Lepetit.com / Asiaphotos.org
Contact: PatrickLEPETIT@hotmail.com