Wat Lokayasutharam, A Serene Giant Reclining Buddha

Wat Lokayasutharam, Khlong Tho Soi 9, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, 13000, Thailand

One of the must-see attractions in the city

4.2

Introduction

Wat Lokaya Sutharam is located within the Ayutthaya Historical Park, about one-third of the way from the inner city's western side. To reach the temple, you need to navigate through winding roads without clear landmarks, so you may need to ask for directions. However, once you arrive, you will see a 42-meter long reclining white Buddha lying on a spacious lawn. Despite previous damage, the Buddha statue was restored in 1956 and has been carefully maintained since then. This reclining Buddha does not depict the Nirvana of the Buddha, but instead symbolizes the Buddha's body growing 100 times in size to confront the demon Rahu. The statue is now placed outdoors with the original temple hall destroyed, leaving only 24 octagonal columns. Surrounding the Buddha statue are several smaller stupas and remnants of other temples, and the site is open to the public free of charge all day. Local women sell lotus flower candles for visitors to place in front of a miniature replica of the reclining Buddha and affix small gold foil squares on it. The white Buddha statue at Wat Lokaya Sutharam, adorned in a bright yellow robe, is truly eye-catching and awe-inspiring, with a ring of bricks surrounding it as a witness to the temple's history. On the offering platform in front of the Buddha statue, there is also a smaller replica of the reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf, facing modern buildings and small stalls.