Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya

  See Video of Wat Phra SiSanphet at bottom of this page.

The three Chedis at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya.

Construction of the Chedis of what is now named Wat Phra Si Sanphet, started probably during the reign of King Trailok (middle period of Ayutthaya). The three chedis are one of the landmarks of the Ayutthaya Historical Park.

The compound was actually located within the Royal Palace grounds. There were no residing monks, and the temple was used for royal ceremonies and for storing royal relics. The three chedis are believed to keep the ashes of three Kings : King Trailok, King Borom Ratchathirat III, and King Rama Thibodi II, as well as Buddha relics.

The Viharn at Wat Phra Si Sanphet was build in 1499 by King Rama Thibodi II. A large Buddha image was housed inside the viharn. Almost 200 kilo of gold was used to cover the image, which was given the name 'Phra Si Sanphet'. When the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya in A.D. 1767 the gold was removed by the enemy. The remains of the Buddha image were later moved to Wat Pho in Bangkok during the reign of Rama I.

The three Chedis at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, as seen through the trees.

Two of the Chedis at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya.

An 'underlighted' view of the Chedis at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya.

See larger pictures of the three Chedis
at Wat Phra Sisanphet

Images by G.V., Bangkok, copyrighted.