https://ae.trip.com/moments/detail/phra-nakhon-si-ayutthaya-1187-123561916?locale=en-AE
MaxSUnited States
vipIconPotential creator
levelIconSenior Travel Master

Wat Mahathat: Miraculous Ruins

#bangkoktrip Mahathat Temple(Wat Mahathat) It is perhaps the most popular attraction in Ayutthaya. During the heyday of the city as the capital of the kingdom of the same name, it was the largest and most majestic. This temple is famous for the Buddha's head, which is believed to be entangled and pulled out of the ground by the roots of a tree. Wat Mahathat belongs to the early Ayutthaya period. According to the royal chronicles, its construction was started during the reign of King Boroma Ratchathirata in 1374 and completed under King Ramesuan. It was a royal temple and served as the home for the head of the Buddhist Sangha of the entire Ayutthaya kingdom. The Buddha's head is today the hallmark of Wat Mahathat Temple. It is located on the right side of the main entrance to the temple. Today, none of the guides can say exactly where the Buddha's head came from, but there is one legend that is most popular: When the Burmese army captured Ayutthaya in 1767, they cut off the heads of all the statues and took them with them. But one of the heads accidentally went unnoticed and was buried by local residents in the ground for preservation purposes. Over time, she was enveloped by the roots of the trees and pushed out by the almighty forces. Since then, this tree has been considered sacred, and the place is famous not only in this country, but all over the world. Of course, almost every tourist wants to take a picture against the background of this statue. After the Burmese invasion, the temple was not restored, so tourists can see the original objects built of thin burnt bricks. This place is so gorgeous, even ruins impress very deeply. I recommend to spend more time and walk through this site without rush to feel the atmosphere.
Posted: Aug 8, 2024
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Wat Mahathat

4.9/5343 reviews | Historic buildings
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
No.4 of Best Things to Do in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Wat Mahathat

Exploring the Ancient Ruins of Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya

토깡
Wat Mahathat

Bangkok Day Trip to Ayutthaya!

R앎이
Wat Mahathat

🙏 : Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya tour

larcsky_journey
Wat Mahathat

Temples, Tuk-Tuks & Travel Hacks: Backpacking Ayutthaya

MaxS
Wat Mahathat

May Travel Destination 2025

ルパン3rd
Wat Mahathat

Ayutthaya Kingdom Ruins

モチラ
Wat Mahathat

Ayutthaya Wanderings: Whispers of History, Echoes of Time

幻影旅人
Wat Mahathat

Tree Embracing Buddha Head: Siam's "Eternal Smile" Location: Wat Mahathat Legendary Story: In 1767

SilverMoon999
Wat Mahathat

Under the Bodhi tree, the commemorative value of a Buddha head

栗栗子
Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya

ChenJunLe
Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya, Thailand

Newhopetong
Wat Mahathat

Beautiful temple in Ayutthaya at night✨

เที่ยวเรี่ยราด