Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Thailand
This famous temple is situated on the south of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Its large bronze seated Buddha image or Phra Mongkhon Bophit is one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand with its measures of 9.5 meters across the lap and a height of 12.5 meters. During the fall of Ayutthaya, the building and the image were badly destroyed by fire. The present Vihara and Buddha image have been reconstructed and renovated in the reign of King Rama V.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
As we approach the striking red-roofed structure of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, we are stepping into a space that bridges the ancient world and the modern era. Unlike many of the ruins we see in Ayutthaya, this temple is a…
Listen in the app2The Gilded Giant — The Bronze Buddha Image
Stepping into the main hall, your gaze is immediately drawn upward to the monumental figure of Phra Mongkhon Bophit. This Buddha is seated in the 'Maravijaya' or 'Subduing Mara' posture, with his right hand reaching down to touch…
Listen in the app3The Reconstruction — A 1950s Masterpiece
As we walk around the interior of the hall, let us examine the architecture of the building itself. While the foundations are ancient, the structure we inhabit today was completed in 1956. …
Listen in the app4The Royal Connection — Proximity to Power
To understand the importance of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, we must look at its geographical context. We are standing just a few dozen meters from the southern wall of the ancient Royal Palace and the royal chapel of Wat Phra Si…
Listen in the app5The Fire and the Mud — A History of Recovery
One of the most intriguing legends associated with this statue involves its 'discovery' in the late 16th century. According to the royal chronicles, the Buddha image was originally located outside the city walls, forgotten and…
Listen in the app6The Stucco and the Gables — Architectural Motifs
Let us pause at the entrance to admire the exterior detailing of the Wihan. The gables, or 'Chofa,' are particularly noteworthy. …
Listen in the app7The Inner Reliquary — The Foundation Deposit
Underneath the massive throne of the Buddha lies a secret known to few visitors: a foundation deposit. In 1955, during the excavations for the new floor, archaeologists discovered a large cavity filled with thousands of tiny…
Listen in the app8Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
As we depart from the cooling shadows of the Wihan and step back into the bright sunlight of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, take a moment to look back at the grand silhouette of the building. Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit stands as…
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What is Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit?
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit is a place in Thailand with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Thailand |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 14.3549, 100.5577 |
| Last updated |
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within a 5-minute walk
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