Wat Worachettharam Buddhist Temple, Thailand

Address

Wat Worachettharam Buddhist Temple, Thailand

Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri,

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000,

Thailand

Moolavar

Buddha

Introduction

Wat Worachettharam is an ancient Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, central Thailand, located in inner city of Ayutthaya, also known as Ayutthaya Island, hence the other name Wat Worachet Nai Ko Originally it was named Wat Chao Chet “temple of the royal elder brother”) later it was renamed by King Ekathotsarot to Wat Worachettharam, which means “temple of sublime elder brother”

Puranic Significance

Wat Worachettharam is a large, restored ruin with many architectural structures in situ. One of its primary features is a large bell-shaped chedi that is constructed in the classic Middle Ayutthaya period style. The spire contains about 25 rings, and its harmika is full intact – including spire-supporting colonnade. The chedi sits upon a reconstructed platform. In front of the chedi is a sermon hall. This vihara has been rebuilt to the basic foundation layer, which includes some partial walls and column stubs.

A large Buddha image sits on the altar in the Taming Mara pose. The ubosot lies north of the wihan. Thi roofless building has all its walls intact, and there is evidence that ceramic plates were once placed within the stucco of the gable. A second Buddha image sits on the altar in the Taming Mara pose inside the ubosot. A gallery of fragmented Buddha images can be seen on a small platform along the walls. A third sermon hall is north of the ubosot, but this is only the reconstruction of the basic foundation layer. There are other structures in situ as well. A square structure stands on the northeastern corner of the ubosot. This looks like a former mondop or possibly a bell tower. Near this is a rectangular platform containing two chedis. Both of these chedis have multiple indented corners, which is suggestive of a Late Ayutthaya Period prang. However, the upper portions are missing, including the relic chamber. In addition there are two structures in situ that consist only of foundations at the ground level. A stub of a small chedi can also be seen on monastery grounds. There are also traces of a moat that once created an island for this temple to rest upon.

A temple was built on the site, which had a great and holy stupa with a holy relic of the
Buddha, dormitories, a wall-appropriate for the forest-dwelling sect of Buddhists, and a complete edition of the Tripitaka.