Dilapidated Temples Overseas Temples

Wat Tuek Buddhist Chedi, Thailand

lightuptemple June 24, 20230

Address

U-Thong Road,

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District,

Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

Moolavar

Buddha

Introduction

This Buddhist temple is located on U-Thong Road in the northwest corner of the island. This area is known as the Hua Laem District. Khlong Mueang (the old Lopburi River) passes nearby it. There are two sermon halls in situ at Wat Tuek. The ubosot contains about a dozen tusks are on display at the altar. There are also two statues to revered Monks near the ubosot’s entrance. Some gold painted Buddha images in various poses can also to be seen. Beside a statue of King Sua, there are images of soldiers and an elephant that have been partially covered with gold leaf. Most of these structures and Buddha images appear to be recent constructions. In addition, there are several modern shrines on site.

Puranic Significance

These are monuments to Buddha, several revered monks, and some deities. Near the entrance gate is a small wall that doubles as a shrine. This has a niche containing a small, gold-painted, Buddha image in a Taming Mara pose. The remains of the ancient site can be found at the rear of the sermon hall. Monastery walls are still visible along with an old sermon hall. The altar has some old fragments of Buddha images mixed with some modern images that have been painted gold. An old well is also in situ. The history of this monastery is unclear. Wat Tuek is associated with King Sua (Luang Sorasak), who reigned from 1703-1709. The Royal Chronicles state that this King renovated a mondop for containing a footprint of the Holy Buddha.