Wat Mahathat Worawihan

Wat Mahathat Worawihan, known locally as Wat Na Phrathat or Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, is an ancient temple, located on Khao Ngu Road, Tambon Na Mueang in the Mueang Ratchaburi city area. It is believed that this temple was built during the Dvaravati period, around the 10-11th century, roughly the same time when the old city of Ratchaburi was built. Later, a Khmer sanctuary or Lop Buri was built over the temple around the 13th century to become the center of the town according to Khmer beliefs about the universe.

Out of fear that the sanctuary might collapse, a new Phra Prang was built in the early Ayutthaya era, around the 15th-16th centuries. Therefore, we can see that the architectural style of the temple overlaps with many Khmer architecture. Moreover, what is interesting about the temple is that Wihan Luang, which worships Phra Mongkhon Buri, is a stucco Buddha dressed in Mara uniform, whose heart width is 8 Sok 1 Khuep. Its characteristic is that of Pre-Ayutthaya art, with faces in the Sukhothai style. It has a long body but short knees. The statue faces East, behind is another Buddha face facing opposite or West. This means we ask for the Buddha's blessing to avert danger from the front as well as from behind. Hence, it is also known as the Protector Buddha of Phra Raksamueang city - along with the beliefs of the people in the Ayutthaya era.

In front of Wihan, there is a boundary wall made of laterite. Prang (ปรางค์) is a stupa with a height of 24 meters. The main prangs and other directional prangs to the south, west and north are on the same site. The east side has a porch and stairs. The base, hull and superstructure are decorated with stucco reliefs. The main prang is connected to a room with murals inside. Murals on the upper part of the wall depict a row of past Buddhas sitting in niches. The pictures below depict the life of Buddha. It is thought that these murals were painted and repaired at the same time as Prang was built and restored around the 17th century.

There is a passage and corridor around the Prang complex containing stone Buddhas built during the Dvaravati, Lop Buri and Ayutthaya periods. Reclining Buddha statue in front of Phra Prang. This is a cement Buddha statue, built in the Ayutthaya period, with a length of 127 cup 9 inches, and this temple also houses a museum displaying different styles of jars. How to get there: take the route to Ratchaburi National Museum; then, turn left and go straight for about 200m.

The large complex is surrounded by a wall with several elaborate grand entrance gates. Wat Mahathat Worawihan consists of five large prangs, a viharn, a ubosot, several stupas, kuti and several other monastic buildings. Most eye-catching are the five white shrimps towering over the area, visible from much of Phetchaburi town. The temple is also known for its many fine stucco works.

This is a busy temple where devotees make merit by burning incense, offering flowers and inlaid with gold leaf on the Buddha statue. Near the entrance, a group of dancers and musicians perform in traditional costumes.

In the center of Wat Mahathat is a large courtyard surrounded by a monastery. In the center of the courtyard are five large prangs, known as "Phra Prang Ha Yod", or five apex prangs. The Khmer/Lopburi style towers were built during the Sukhothai period.

Surrounded by four smaller pagodas, the tallest central tower, rising over 40 meters, houses Buddha's relics. Adorned in large niches on all four sides of it are standing golden Buddha images. The prangs are plastered with bricks, decorated with fine stucco work, topped by a three-pointed spear, a weapon of the Hindu god Shiva. Covering them was a small multi-tiered ceremonial umbrella.

The corridor surrounding the courtyard is lined with dozens of Buddha statues, most of them in the subdued Mara pose. At night, the prangs are beautifully lit. Opposite the main entrance is the temple's vast viharn, the hall where devotees come to pray, make merit, or ask for advice from a monk. Its front gable is decorated with stucco reliefs, angels adorning the ends of the crossbars.

In the middle of the porch between the two doors is a large walking Buddha statue raising his left hand, a gesture symbolizing teaching, known as the Vitarka mudra. Behind is a mural depicting the Buddha admired by devotees.

The interior walls have colorful murals, some of which are unfortunately in poor condition. Painted in the late Ayutthaya or early Rattanakosin periods, the murals depict scenes of daily life, battles and Buddhist stories, including one of the Mara demons attacking the meditating Buddha. under the bodhi tree. The upper part of the side walls is decorated with depictions of demons, demonic creatures.

At the back of the viharn are three large images of Buddha in front of each other surrounded by several smaller images of important devotees and monks. The main Buddha statue was cast in the Ayutthaya period. The ornate pedestal supports the images carried by warriors and mythical creatures. A large Dharma wheel covered with gold leaf represents Buddhist teachings.

Next to the viharn is the ubosot or ordination hall. Its forward gable is decorated with stucco reliefs, while angels adorn the ends of the barge. With whitewashed walls and a red wooden roof, the interior is quite simple. Ubosot houses a large golden statue of the Buddha in the subdued Mara pose, sitting on an elaborate pedestal surrounded by various smaller statues.

The temple is found on Thanon Ban Dai It on the West bank of the Phetchaburi River in the center of Phetchaburi town, about 1/2 km south of Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park. From Hua Hin you can take a taxi or tuk tuk about 45 minutes to get here. It is advisable to book a round trip and agree on a specific price and waiting time before departure.

Opening hours: daily, from 06:00 to 18:00

Wat Mahathat Worawihan is visited by many people. Especially on weekends and Thai National Holidays, it gets very busy.

Please dress modestly and take off your shoes before entering the temple.

Ticket price: free.