Wat Mahathat

The Temple of Great Relic There are two Wat Mahathat temples, one recently built in Bangkok And one which is now an ancient ruin located in Ayuthaya the previous capital of Thailand. The construction on the original Wat Mahathat located in Ayuthaya started in the late twelfth century under the reign of King Borommarachathirat but it was probably completed in King Ramesuan’s time. The main stupa of this temple is Pang shaped, originally it was built with laterite but restoration work was done with red brick. Later on the Khmer style tower collapsed and restoration on that was finished in the reign of King Prasatthong during which the height of the tower was increased.

This temple has undergone many restoration in it’s time. It was finally burnt down in 1756 follow the sack of Ayuthaya.
In the early twentieth century the main prang again collapsed and the temple was left vulnerable to attack from looters and treasure seekers. Finally it came to the notice of the Fine Arts Department and excavations begun on this site. All the recovered treasures which include beautiful Buddha images animal shaped golden plaques and fish shaped boxes are currently placed in the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. The site is now a fascinating ruin which gives a glimpse into Thailand’s past to the time when it was a great center of learning and served as the seat of Sangaraja, the head of the Buddhist monks of the Kamasavi sect.
The Wat Mahathat of Bangkok is also an ancient temple and serves as a center of learning for the Mahanikai sect of Buddhists. It’s aptly located between fine arts Silpakorn university and the University of law and sciences, Thammasat. It’s close to the Grand Palace and a visit there maybe combined with a visit here.
Enter the temple grounds from the Mahathat Road. The gate to the inner courtyard may be shut, but you can usually walk in. The courtyard is crammed with a mondop (square in shape and houses important scriptures or images), ubosot (an ordination hall) and a wiharn (place of prayer which bears images of Buddha). They are surrounded by lush greenery which is typical of the Thai places. You also found numerous images of Buddha displayed in the courtyard.
It is an important center of learning and the grounds are crammed with schools, offices and various other buildings. Like many other temples this on also offers classes in meditation. For those who are looking for peace this is an excellent center located right in the middle of the grounds and surrounded by the perfect environment. Peace and quiet are an ingrained part of this temple.
The easiest way to reach Wat Chana Songkram is by boat to the Chang pier. Walk directly away from the pier into the courtyard, where the Grand Palace will be directly in front of you on the right. Turn left at the road and walk up Mahathat Road.