Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Lopburi Province)

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Lopburi Province was built during the reign of King Narai the Great. Inside the main hall of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is a beautiful sandstone-carved Buddha image in the meditation posture under the Naga. It was named by the Supreme Patriarch as Phra Phuttha Lavo Burarak, meaning the Buddha who protects Lopburi. To the south of the main hall is a small ordination hall with French-style doors and windows. To the west of the main hall is a large prang (Khmer-style tower) made of laterite and covered with stucco, adorned with Buddha images and scenes from the Buddha's life in stucco relief. The gable of the prang reflects the influence of Mahayana Buddhism, and the large prang's arch is in the Lopburi style, featuring exquisite stucco designs. The prang originally housed numerous Buddha images, including Lopburi-era amulets such as Phra Hu Yan and Phra Ruang, which have been found in large quantities.