Wat Mahaathat
According to the historical references, Wat Mahaathat temple, was built
during the late 14th centuries. The pagoda was built on the spot
where the King Ramesuan saw the light of the Buddha’s sarira (bone) shining and going up in to the sky. (Sarira has a shape of pearl or crystal beaded like
object, which are found among the cremated ashes of Buddhist masters or Buddha).
Wat Mahaathat was one of the most important
temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Not only it
was the temple where the Buddha’s sarira was stored, but it was also a center of many important royal ceremonies. Moreover, it was the resident of the head monk in the old days.
The top of the pagoda has been fallen down and renovated many times due to the wars. When the Ayutthaya Kingdom lost for the second time, this temple was burnt down and since then it has been abandoned. Nowadays, Fine Arts institution of Thailand has tried to save this ancient temple site.
The main pagoda (Phra prang) was a place where the Buddha’s sarira was stored. At the base
of the Phra prang, there are many animal figures crafted such as lion, bear,
peacock, bird, cow, wolf, buffalo and dragon. It is presumed that these animals refer to the story of Himmavanta, a legendary forest in the hindu
mythology.
In one of the sanctuaries of the temple, there is a Bodhi tree with large roots surrounding Buddha's head. Usually, the Fine Art Institution of Thailand prunes the roots, but it seems like this one is an exception. Wat Mahaathat has become a popular temple to visit among the tourists.
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