Wat Mahathat
Credits
Wat Mahathat is an important ancient site like Wat Mahathat, which is a royal temple in the palace area. Sukhothai, the ancient capital, is currently located in the center. Sukhothai Historical Park Muang Kao Sub-district Sukhothai City District Sukhothai Province
Wat Mahathat is the city's largest temple. Built in the 18th century Buddhist or early Sukhothai period, King Ramkhamhaeng's stone inscription of 1835 BC mentions the monastery as follows: “In the middle of the city of Sukhothai, there is a viharn with a Buddha statue”, meaning that the royal viharn on the east side of the main chedi was once the place where a 6.25-metre-wide bronze Sukhothai-style Buddha statue was enshrined. Phra Maha Thammaracha Lithai ordered it to be cast and celebrated in 1904.
Wat Mahathat also features important elements, namely the Mahathat Chedi and the 8 surrounding prang-shaped chedis, which act as guardian chedis for each direction. They are influenced by Khmer art and feature stucco motifs inspired by Sri Lankan art. The four-cornered chedis are five-tiered castle-shaped chedis influenced by the Bagan-Hariphunchai-Lanna artistic styles. They are considered one of the best examples of authentic Sukhothai castle chedis still in their most complete state.
archaeological site
The ancient site in the temple area measures 200 meters wide and 200 meters long on each side. It features Buddha images, chedis and a chedi in the shape of a lotus bud or rice packet as the main temple structure. Inside, there are different types of pagodas, bases, temples, church bases and niches for Buddha images, made up of :
Grand Stupa This is the main pagoda in the middle of the temple. Its shape resembles a lotus bud or a bundle of rice. It is located on the 3rd floor of Phra Wan Fa. Around the base of the lowest floor are stucco sculptures of disciples walking with hands clasped in prayer. Size of the pagoda base Each side measures 27 meters wide and 29 meters high. On the same base, there are 4 prangs surrounding the pagoda, located in front of the pagoda in all 4 directions. At the 4 corners, there are 4 Srivijaya-style pagodas mixed with Sri Lanka, located as satellite pagodas to the main pagoda. There are 200 pagodas.
Ten temple bases of various sizes, including the temple of Sakyamuni Buddha Located opposite Or to the east of Phra Mahathat Chedi, there are 8 niches, a chapel base located on the north side of Phra Mahathat Chedi, 14 meters wide, 25 meters long, made of brick, 4 ponds located on the north and west sides, and there is a brick glass wall surrounding the temple area on all 4 sides, 200 meters wide and long on each side.