Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
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Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Ratchaworawihan is a first-class royal temple of the Ratchaworawihan type belonging to the Mahanikaya sect. Located at village no. 6, Si Satchanalai sub-district Sri Satchanalai district Sukhothai province This temple has been important since ancient times. Built around the 17th-18th century Buddhist period, it was originally an important temple in the Chiang Rai city area. Evidence appears in the earliest stone inscriptions and in the Thonburi period. When King Taksin the Great went to subdue the Phra Fang community at Sawangkhaburi, he then came to celebrate the royal relics of the town of Cheliang. And this temple is also the place where water is poured over the head and consecrated. For the new king who will ascend the throne from ancient times
This temple is located next to an ancient site. Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Cheliang The ordination hall is located to the east along the original axis of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Cheliang.
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There is no clear evidence of its creation. But looking at the archaeological evidence, this temple dates back to the time of the Khmer Empire, at least 800 years ago. In fact, it may be possible to pinpoint an age older than this, as the temple's location is the center of the community or town in this area, namely Mueang Cheliang , which was a town that existed at the same time as the Dvaravati period.
This temple is an important temple in the city of Chiang Rai. There is clear evidence in Stone Inscription No. 1 and during the Thonburi period, when King Taksin the Great went to suppress the gathering of Phra Fang, Muang Sawangkhaburi, he also went to celebrate Phra Borommathat Muang Cheliang. And this temple has also been the bathing and anointing place for the new kings who will ascend the throne since ancient times.
Ancient sites inside the temple
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat is a large group of important ancient sites as follows:
Presidential prang
The temple's main prang is made of laterite coated with vermilion paint. The architectural style dates from the early Ayutthaya period. Art historians estimate that it dates from around 2017 BC. Inside the prang, a small stupa in the shape of a lotus bud seems to have been built on top. It should contain important elements for worship. Villagers call it “The Heart of Buddha”, and there are traces of the original on the prang's interior walls. But it has faded considerably and is painted in an antique red with floral motifs. At the front of the chedi, a staircase leads up to the prang.
The base of this prang is a three-storey covered chapel with solid walls and skylights. The base of the prang extends on three sides (the front being the temple), mirroring the construction that covers an important stupa or pagoda inside. It is thought to have been built before the beginning of the Sukhothai period, as excavations have uncovered an archaeological brick base beneath the base of the royal temple. There are also eaves tiles with figures of goddesses, apsaras and angels, contemporary with the Khmer artistic style of the Bayon, as well as stucco motifs on the tops of the temple doors and walls. Which is transformed into a Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara form Above the four directions, below are images of goddesses seated in frames. The lower arch is in the form of a dancing apsara. The base of the Phra Wihan Luang Pho To is located opposite the prang. Inside is a large statue of Buddha in the Mara-Vijaya posture, located in the center, flanked by smaller Buddha statues standing on either side of the Mara-Vijaya posture. On the right-hand side of the temple is a beautiful statue of Buddha in the walking posture.
wall
The temple wall is made up of large, round laterite blocks placed side by side in a rectangular shape, 60 metres wide and 90 metres long, with lintels at the back of the wall. There is an entrance and exit at the rear. Above the arch is a roof-like form. The top above the arch is plastered in the shape of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
Attharat Pavilion
The Attharot Pavilion is located behind the Phra That Mu Tao. It was probably originally a pavilion of four Buddha postures. It was later renovated and modified. A stucco Buddha statue still stands inside the niche. It was originally a pavilion with a terracotta tile roof.
Temple of the Two Brothers
The Temple of the Two Brothers lies to the left of Phra Attharot. Built of laterite, it features two stucco Buddha statues in the Mara-Vijaya attitude on the altar. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the foundations of the tem