Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Chaliang

THAILAND, Sukhothai

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Chaliang means the Temple of the Great Relic of Chaliang. The temple is also known as Wat Borommathat Muang Chaliang or Wat Phra Prang. The temple is part of the Sri Satchanalai Historical Park, which covers the ruins of both Sri Satchanalai and Chaliang. It was built around the 11th to 12th centuries and was expanded throughout the Ayutthaya period (circa 1350–1767). It is a first class royal temple. As part of the Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns, it was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991.
The temple consists of the main hall, Hall of Luang Pho To, Hall of Phra Song Phi Nong, ordination hall, main stupa, various Thai-style stupas, and an outdoor Buddha statue. The Khmer-style main stupa was constructed in laterite and plaster during the time of King Borommatrailokkanat (reigned 1448–1488). It may have been built over an earlier Thai-style stupa in the form of a lotus bud, which was reproduced in the new structure. The main stupa was subsequently reconstructed during the rule of King Boromakot (reigned 1733–1758). The multi-layer base of the stupa stands on a high square base platform. The body consists of a multi-cornered cuboid structure with porticos at the four cardinal points. Above the porticos there are highly decorated double tympana. Steep steps lead up to the porticos. The spire has a tapered curved shape with niches and antefixes. The finial consists of three projecting prongs on each side followed by small canopies.
The Hall of Luang Pho To is situated in front of the main stupa. The roof no longer exists, and only four rows of columns and two walls remain. A 14th-century seated Buddha statue made of stucco is enshrined in the center of the hall. Next to the seated Buddha there is a high relief of the walking Buddha, which represents the Buddha’s descent from Trayastrimsa Heaven after teaching the Dharma to his mother. This is a typical example of a walking Buddha statue of the Sukhothai period (circa 1238–1438). The temple also has a pair of seated Buddha statues known as Phra Song Phi Nong, or the Two Brothers, as well as a standing Buddha statue from the Sukhothai period.