WAT MAHATHAT

Wat Mahathat is the largest and most impressive temple among the ancient monuments within the city wall of Sukhothai. Its main chedi (stupa), vihara (assembly hall), mandapa, ordination hall (uposatha), and approximately 200 subordinate chedis, as well as some fine Buddha images are overwhelming. 

 

 

These stupa represent various architectural influences. Apart from the lotus bud shape, which is the definitive style of Sukhothai, there are also chedis in the earlier styles of Hariphunchai, Lanna and Sri Langka.

 

 Two impressive statues of the 12-metre-tall standing Buddha, Phra Attharot, enshrined in the mandapa on both sides of the principle chedi.

 

Wat Mahathat translates as “great relic”, and it is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Thailand,is built of laterite and surrounded by brick walls and a moa.

 The main chedi is in the characteristic Sukhothai shape of a lotus bud. It is believed to contain relics of Buddha.At the base of the main chedi Buddhist disciples in adoration are depicted in stucco relief.

 

    In front of this chedi are columns, the only remains of the main vihara which was believed to have contained a remarkable seated bronze Buddha image of the Sukhothai style, cast and installed by King Lithai of Sukhothai in 1362.

  Of the eight smaller surrounding chedi, the four brick ones at the cardinal points reflect Khmer style, and the four on the sides indicate Lan Na art. The niches of these smaller chedi contain 28 Buddha images and stucco reliefs which illustrate the life of Buddha. The artwork here reflects that of the Singhalese and Burmese.

 

Further on are the remains of another smaller vihara which was probably built during the Ayutthaya period. Its eight metre high Buddha image was installed inside a separate building.

 

    The whole area is filled with minor chedi, most of which were probably funerary monuments.

    On the south stands a pedestal of a large built up chedi, the base of which is adorned with beautiful stucco figures of devils, elephants, lions and three headed elephants.