Wat Phra Si Sanphet | Ayutthaya

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is one of the most significant and historically important temples in Ayutthaya, Thailand. Located within the Ayutthaya Historical Park, this temple was once the royal temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and is widely considered one of the finest examples of the grandeur and architectural beauty of the kingdom before it was destroyed by the Burmese invasion in 1767.

Historical Significance

Royal Temple: Wat Phra Si Sanphet was built during the reign of King Borommatrailokkanat in the 15th century and served as the royal temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was part of the royal palace complex and was used for important royal ceremonies, including the cremation of members of the royal family. The temple itself was dedicated to the Buddha and housed important relics, further cementing its religious significance.

Location and Role: The temple was located next to the royal palace and was considered the holiest and most revered religious site in Ayutthaya. It was the site of significant Buddhist ceremonies and royal rituals, including the consecration of kings. The temple was closely associated with the royal family and served as a spiritual center for the kingdom.

Destruction: Like most of Ayutthaya's temples, Wat Phra Si Sanphet suffered immense damage during the Burmese invasion in 1767. The temple was abandoned and left in ruins, and much of its grandeur was lost. However, the remaining structures continue to offer insight into the kingdom's former glory.

Architectural Features

Three Prangs (Chedis):

• The most distinctive feature of Wat Phra Si Sanphet is its three prangs (tall, spire-like structures), which are designed in the Khmer style. These prangs represent the three main aspects of Buddhist cosmology and are the most recognizable elements of the temple. Each prang was originally covered in gold and served to house the relics of the Buddha or other important relics. These prangs are arranged in a symmetrical line, symbolizing the unity and strength of the kingdom.

The Central Prang:

• The central prang is the largest and most prominent of the three. It is believed to have been the burial place for King Borommatrailokkanat, the king who commissioned the temple's construction. The central prang was originally covered with gold, symbolizing the king's divine rule and connection to the Buddha.

Chedis of the Royal Family:

• The two smaller prangs on either side of the central prang were dedicated to the remains of other important royal figures, including the kings of Ayutthaya. These prangs were used as cremation sites for the royal family members, in accordance with Buddhist traditions. Their placement in the temple's layout reflects the royal family's central role in the temple's history.

Buddha Images and Statues:

• Originally, the temple contained several important Buddha statues and images, including a large reclining Buddha that was located in the viharn (assembly hall). However, many of these statues were lost or destroyed during the invasion. Today, the temple's ruins still contain remnants of these statues, providing insight into the temple's former splendor.

Viharn (Hall):

• The viharn was the main hall of the temple, where royal ceremonies and religious rituals took place. It was an impressive building with intricate decoration and housed several Buddha statues. The viharn was originally designed to accommodate large gatherings for worship and ceremonies. Today, the remnants of the viharn can still be seen in the temple's layout.

Restoration and Preservation:

• After the destruction of Ayutthaya, efforts were made to restore and preserve the remaining structures of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. While some of the original Buddha statues and other elements were lost, the three central prangs still stand as a testament to the grandeur of the temple.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Buddhist Importance: Wat Phra Si Sanphet was originally constructed as a Buddhist temple and played a central role in the religious life of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It housed important Buddha relics and was a focal point for the kingdom's Buddhist practices. The temple is considered one of the most important spiritual sites in Ayutthaya, and its role in the royal and religious ceremonies of the kingdom cannot be overstated.

Symbol of Royal Power: The temple's connection to the royal family and its role as the royal cremation site made it a powerful symbol of the Ayutthaya monarchy's divine right to rule. The grandeur of the temple's architecture reflected the wealth and strength of the kingdom, while the three prangs were symbols of the sacred connection between the king, the Buddha, and the people.

Tourist Attraction: Today, Wat Phra Si Sanphet is one of the most visited and photographed temples in Ayutthaya. Its iconic three prangs are among the most recognizable landmarks in the Ayutthaya Historical Park and continue to draw visitors from all over the world. The temple offers a unique glimpse into the grandeur of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and its rich Buddhist heritage.

Visiting Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Location: Wat Phra Si Sanphet is located in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, near other significant temples such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburana. It is easily accessible by foot or bicycle from the other major sites in the park.

Opening Hours: The temple ruins are typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Visitors are encouraged to visit the site during daylight hours to appreciate the architectural details and historical significance of the temple.

Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee for the Ayutthaya Historical Park, which includes access to Wat Phra Si Sanphet as well as other nearby temples. The fee is typically paid at the park's entrance, and a combined ticket is often available for access to multiple sites.

Nearby Attractions

Ayutthaya Historical Park: Wat Phra Si Sanphet is located within the heart of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, which contains numerous other temples and ruins, including Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, and Wat Ratchaburana. Visitors can explore these other sites while visiting Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

Chao Phraya River: The nearby Chao Phraya River offers boat rides that provide a different perspective of the historical park and its temples. Some boat tours pass by Wat Phra Si Sanphet, offering a view of the ruins from the water.

Ayutthaya Historical Study Center: The Ayutthaya Historical Study Center offers additional information about the history of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and the importance of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. The center is located near the temple and provides educational exhibits on the history, culture, and architecture of the area.

Conclusion

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a symbol of the royal grandeur and religious devotion of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Its three central prangs stand as an enduring reminder of the kingdom's splendor before its destruction by the Burmese. Today, the temple continues to be a significant historical and spiritual site, drawing visitors from around the world who come to explore its ruins and learn about the rich history of Ayutthaya.