Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat

THAILAND, Phitsanulok

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat means Temple of the Great Relic. Also called Wat Yai, this temple is well-known across Thailand for the golden bronze Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue, which was cast at approximately the same time as the building of the temple. Construction began in 1357 during the time of King Lithai (reigned circa 1346–1368) of Sukhothai. During the time of King Borommatrailokkanat (reigned 1448–1488), the Khmer-style stupa named Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat was constructed. The main hall was added during the Ayutthaya period (circa 1350–1767). The stupa was restored during the rule of King Rama V (reigned 1868–1910).
The principal temple buildings include the main stupa, main hall, and ordination hall, as well as several other halls and the Hall of the Buddha’s Footprint. The Khmer-style main stupa is 36 m high and stands on a multi-tier base. The white body has four evenly spaced niches, each housing a Buddha statue. The golden, tapered curved spire has many tiers with four niches on each tier. The finial consists of multiple prongs turning upwards. There are four halls around the stupa. To the west of the stupa there is the square main hall with a multi-tier roof in Lanna architectural style. The panel on the main door of the hall is wooden and inlaid with mother-of-pearl to form highly decorative and detailed patterns. This door was specially made by King Boromakot (reigned 1733–1758) of Ayutthaya as an offering to the Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue housed in the hall.