The largest adorned Buddha statue from the Ayutthaya period.

🏰 Wat Na Phra Meru Rachikaram, originally named Wat Phra Meru Rachikaram, was built in 1503 by Prince Indra, a member of the royal family during the reign of King Ramathibodi II, with royal permission. 🏰 This temple was initially a site for royal cremations of Ayutthaya kings. 🏕 During the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat, a peace treaty was negotiated with King Bayinnaung of Burma, leading to the construction of a large royal pavilion next to Wat Na Phra Meru, extending to Wat Hassadavas, in 1563. 🏡 In 1767, during the war between Ayutthaya and Burma, the Burmese army used this temple as a strategic location. After Ayutthaya's defeat, the Burmese king ordered the temple to be spared from destruction. 🏰 The main chapel still retains early Ayutthaya architecture and is the most well-preserved in Ayutthaya. 🏰 During the reign of King Borommakot, the temple was expanded with additional external columns and a teakwood gable carved with the image of Narayana on Garuda, stepping on Naga's head, flanked by Rahu figures. 🙏 The principal Buddha image in the chapel, created in the late Ayutthaya period, is a bronze Buddha in the Mara Vichaya posture, adorned in imperial attire, named Phra Buddha Nimit Wichit Maramoli Sri Sanphet Borommatrailokkanat. 🙏 It is the largest adorned Buddha statue from the Ayutthaya period currently known. 🙏 During the reign of King Rama III, the temple was renovated, and a green stone Buddha statue, or Phra Khandhararat, from the Dvaravati period, was moved from Wat Mahathat to the Sapphaya (small chapel). 🙏 This Dvaravati period stone Buddha statue in a seated posture with legs hanging down is one of only five in Thailand. 💥 Wat Na Phra Meru Rachikaram: Lumphli Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. 🌐 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1ZjrPjrQw8dMWqXn6 🕣 Opening hours: 08:30 - 17:30 💵 Admission fee: 20 Baht for foreigners.