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Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit

Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit

Wat Mahathat Temple in Bangkok Thailand
Viharn on the right, Ordination Hall on the left, Mondop at the back

Wat Mahathat in Bangkok is a Royal Class temple of the highest order, built during the Ayutthaya period when it was known as Wat Salak. It is near the Grand Palace opposite Sanam Luang.

History

After Bangkok became the capital of Thailand and because of its place near the Grand Palace, it became a venue for royal ceremonies and funerals. The temple’s popularity with royalty saw it raised in status and given its current name by King Rama IX in 1996. The complex also includes the Buddhist Mahachulalongkorn Vajavidyalaya University. The university offers English language courses in Buddhist studies.

Wat Mahathat in Bangkok Thailand
Buddha Images in the Gallery

The temple has an impressive collection of Buddha images. Around the central courtyard is a gallery of Buddha images both seated and standing. The Ordination Hall and Viharn are side by side within the courtyard with a Mondop behind. The Buddha images in the gallery have a plaque on the base dedicated to a person who is no longer alive.

Wat Mahathat in Bangkok Thailand
Wat Mahathat Bangkok – The Buddha Relics

The Buddha’s Relics

The Sacred Relics of the Buddha are in the Mondop at the base of the Phra Chedi. In the Vihara is a stunning collection of Buddha Images in a variety of poses. The principal image, Phra Sri Sakayamunee is sat with six smaller standing gold Buddhas. There are three sitting black Buddhas in front with some smaller gold images behind the base. There are two old grandfather clocks on either side.

Wat Mahathat in Bangkok Thailand
The Vihara
Wat Mahathat in Bangkok Thailand
Inside the Vihara

Wat Mahathat in Bangkok Thailand
Phra Sri Sakayamunee in the Vihara

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The Ordination Hall

The adjacent Ordination Hall houses the principal Buddha image Phra Sri Sanpetch. The image is surrounded by eight praying disciples. The hall is the biggest in Thailand and can hold 1000 monks. The traditional Thai style building has carved gilded and mirror decorated gables.

Wat Mahathat Temple in Bangkok Thailand
Phra Buddha Sri Sanpetch in the Ordination Hall

In the courtyard, there is a peaceful garden with a large Khmer-style prang tower. The prang has standing Buddha images in the niches. There are also a few smaller chedis.

Wat Mahathat Temple in Bangkok Thailand
Phra Prang Chedi
Wat Mahathat Temple in Bangkok Thailand
The Courtyard

At the front of the temple opposite Sanam Luang is a statue of Prince Surasinghanart. The prince was a brother of King Rama I who carried out the renovation of the temple in 1783. There is a small pavilion next door containing a Buddha image.

Wat Mahathat Temple in Bangkok Thailand
Prince Surasinghanart
Wat Mahathat in Bangkok Thailand
Small Viharn
Wat Mahathat in Bangkok Thailand
Buddha’s in small Viharn

Meditation at Wat Mahathat Bangkok

Within the temple grounds is the Vipassana Meditation Center. There are daily meditation classes held at 07.00-10.00, 13.00-16.00, and 18.00-20.00. English-speaking monks are in attendance. A famous amulet market, held every Sunday is just around the corner.

Where is Wat Mahathat?

Location: 3 Maharat Road, Rattanakosin, Bangkok.

District: Rattanakosin

Opening Hours: 08.00-17.00 daily.

Admission: Free

Getting There: Chao Phraya Express Tourist Boat to Tha Maharaj or Orange flag boat to Tha Prachan.

Bus: 1, 3, 7, 9, 15, 25, 30, 32, 33, 39, 43, 44, 47, 53, 59, 60, 64, 65, 70, 80, 82, 91, 203

Air Conditioned Bus: 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 25, 39, 44, 70, 203

Map:https://goo.gl/maps/C4qSwn7hFM92

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