Wat Mahathat Wora Vihan—Ratchaburi, Thailand. - Buddhist Temples and Public Shrines on Waymarking.com

Wat Mahathat Wora Vihan is an ancient Wat situated on the western side of the small, central Thai city of Ratchaburi. The city is also capital of the Thai province of the same name.

The Wat's origins stretch back into the mists of time, or at least to the early Thai period, when the Khmer Kingdom ruled or was influential in the region. This is the 10th-11th centuries CE, when the Davaravati culture dominated the area. The original temple followed the Cambodian style, but was modified by later Thai kings (the Ayutthaya period) to a more Thai style. The Wat consists of a central, tall, prang/prasat, with four smaller towers around. This is enclosed by a cloister, which is filled with Buddha images and other Buddhist imagery. To the north of the prang area, directly adjoining are several support buildings undergoing excavation.

It is difficult to put together a coherent history of the temple, but it has clearly had some good and bad times. Currently, it is undergoing restoration. There is a modern Thai wat of the same name immediately adjacent. Both the ancient and modern wats are in active use.

Certainly an attractive Wat to visit. When the restoration is complete it will be a major tourist attraction in the city. Waymark location is the main entrance to the central prang.

Open to visitors?: Yes Photography Permitted Inside?: Yes Statue of the Buddha present?: Yes Related Website: Not listed

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Photos of the shrine are strongly encouraged when permitted otherwise please refrain from taking pictures inside and in any case, generally have respect for the religious nature of the site.

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