Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Majestic Bronze Buddha, Spiritual Zenith

Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Khlong Tho Road, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, 13000, Thailand

One of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Thailand

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Introduction

The English name of Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Thailand has several different spellings, but they are generally similar and are transliterations. The Chinese transliteration is also different, so it is important to carefully check the guide for the characteristics of the temple. This modern temple, which was built in 1357, is named "Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit Temple" and houses a giant bronze seated Buddha statue that is 17 meters high. It is one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Thailand and is enshrined indoors. Originally, it stood outdoors, but after being relocated during the reign of King Song Tham, it was completed in the late 15th century. Although the temple was mostly destroyed by the invading Burmese in 1767, it was rebuilt by King Rama V in the 1950s. During the restoration process, hundreds of small Buddha statues were discovered inside the giant Buddha, which aroused the admiration and reverence of Buddhists. Now, the surface of the Buddha statue is coated with a layer of gold. The temple is conveniently located on the south side of Wat Phra Si Sanphet on the island of Ayutthaya, and it takes only 3 minutes to walk there. The entrance is free, and the opening hours are extended until 17:30 on Saturdays and Sundays. The main hall has been rebuilt several times and appears clean and tidy. Inside the hall, there are statues of the king, various Buddha statues, and more.