Wat Mahathat, Sunset Reflections Amidst Ancient Serenity

Wat Mahathat, Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand

The pond outside the temple reflects the pagoda and Buddha statue

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Introduction

There is an important royal temple called Wat Mahathat in the central area within the walls of Sukhothai. This temple, built in the 13th century and expanded over time, is the largest temple in Sukhothai and serves as the spiritual center of the kingdom. The temple covers an area of 200 square meters, surrounded by a 206-meter long and 200-meter wide brick wall, with moats on the northern, southern, and western sides. Inside the temple, there are 209 stupas, 10 viharas, 8 ordination halls, and 4 ponds. The centerpiece is a gigantic stupa built by the founder of the Sukhothai kingdom, King Ramkhamhaeng, in the 14th century to enshrine the relics of the Buddha. Throughout the centuries, successive rulers expanded the complex, resulting in more than 200 stupas, as well as numerous viharas and mondops by the 16th century when it was abandoned. The main stupa showcases Sukhothai's unique classical architectural style, with a shape resembling a lotus bud and adorned with famous lotus motifs. Surrounding the main stupa are four Lanna-style conical stupas. The colossal Buddha statue seated between two large pillars on the western side was added during the Ayutthaya period. It bathes in the sunlight during the day and reflects in the lotus pond at night, creating a beautiful scene. The temple also features beautifully decorated ponds, bell-shaped stupas, octagonal stupas, and other architectural remains. Additionally, Wat Mahathat hosts monthly Sukhothai historical plays, featuring real historical sites as backdrops, enhanced with sound, light, and special effects. It is recommended for visitors to consult the schedule and plan accordingly to watch the historical play.