Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Temple in Ayutthaya

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Average trinmo

Wat Chaiwatthanaram, located in Ayutthaya, Thailand, is a remarkable temple that showcases the Khmer-style architecture and cultural significance of the region. After being heavily looted and left in ruins following the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, the temple underwent extensive restoration beginning in 1987. These efforts transformed it into one of the most visited attractions within the Ayutthaya Historical Park.

The temple’s design is rooted in traditional Khmer influences. At its center stands a towering prang, or spire, on a rectangular base, surrounded by four smaller prang and eight meru, which are chedi-like structures. These meru once featured intricate reliefs depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, emphasizing the deep connection between Buddhism and Thai culture. Although only fragments of these decorations remain, they still hint at the artistry and spiritual significance of the temple’s past.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram reflects Ayutthaya’s grandeur during its height as a powerful Siamese kingdom. The central prang, symbolizing Mount Meru, highlights the temple’s cosmological and spiritual meaning. Set on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the site offers a peaceful atmosphere, particularly at sunset when the warm light accentuates the beauty of its structures.

Nearby, Wat Phra Si Sanphet complements a visit to Wat Chaiwatthanaram. As the royal temple of Ayutthaya, it served as the spiritual heart of the kingdom and housed important royal ceremonies. Its three large chedi, containing the ashes of Ayutthaya’s kings, stand as enduring symbols of the city’s historical and cultural legacy.

The Wat Chaiwatthanaram appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ayutthaya!

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