Attraction Details :
The
temple is located along Khlong Sra Bua and the north bank of the Khlong
Mueang or as know as Lob Buri River just opposite the ancient Grand
Palace. It was received the name Wat Phra Meru Rachikaram, the old
temple outside the city area. As its name indicates, it must have been
established at a Royal cremation area during the later Ayutthaya period.
Remarkably, this temple was not destroyed when Ayutthaya was lastly
defeated by Burmese troops.
The ordination hall (ubosot) faces
south and measures approximately 50 m by 16 m. Inside the ubosot, there
are octagonal columns. The top of the columns were made in the form of
closed lotuses to support the large roof. The ceiling was decorated with
carved wood and colored glasses showing the meaning of beautiful stars
in the sky. The windows appear along the ubosot’s walls which later has
been extended by adding pillars during the later Ayutthaya period.
Highlight of this ubosot is its
gable. The ubosot’s gable is featuring Vishnu (in Thailand called Phra
Narai or Narayan) mounted on Garuda, on top of the demon head Rahu
placed between two Nagas and flanked by 26 celestial. Vishnu is
considered the symbol of the King.
The principal Buddha image at Wat Na
Phra Men’s ubosot is seated in the 'subduing Mara' position, and wears
royal attire. Its full name is : Phra Buddha Nimitr Vichit Maramoli
Sisanpeth Boromtrailokanat with the lap of 4.40 meters wide and 6 meters
high. The image’s face is graceful, peaceful and respectful. Buddha
images were royal attire like this are typical for the later Ayutthaya
period. The statue is the most beautiful and largest crowned Buddha
image that was left following the war with Burma.
The ubosoth of Wat Na Phra Men was
restored during the reign of King Rama III. In a separate small Viharn
next to ubosot, another unique seated Buddha image of the Dvaravati
period, named Phra Khantharat, which was carved in green stone, can be
seen. It’s 1 of 5 seated Buddha images in Thailand which is worth
preserved.
Wat Na Phra Men is one of the culture
heritages of Ayutthaya. This temple is perfect for those who are
interested in history and archeology and a good attraction for visitors.
It opens from 8am-6pm. Admission fees are 20 baht for foreigner. For
more information please call 035-241-704 (Ayutthaya Studies Institution)
or 035-246-076 (Tourism Thailand ,Ayutthaya)
