Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon Buddhist Temple, Thailand

Address

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon Buddhist Temple, Thailand

40 Khlong Suan Phlu, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District,

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000,

Thailand

Moolavar

Buddha

Introduction

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon also referred to as the Mongkhon, is one of the primary temples found within the Ayutthaya Island. This particular temple is found to be located to the Southeast of the island and has been restored many times since its construction during the 14th century. Evidence of a vast moat surrounding the temple indicates it as one of the chief places of worship in the region. Although found to be ruined partially, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is functioning to date with several monks being housed within the building. It is possible to view the Thai style quarters of the monks within its premises today as well. The local populace also makes sure to worship at the temple regularly making it extremely crowded on weekends. The numerous chedis or monuments bear witness to its historical origins.

Puranic Significance

Referred to as the “Monastery of the Auspicious Victory,” Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon was built during the reign of King Rama Thibodi I, also known as King U-Thong, who is believed to be the first ruler of Ayutthaya. The Royal manuscripts that survived the damages of time tell of a tale where the bodies of two of the princes were exhumed and cremated with the “Wat Pa Keo” or the “Monastery of the Crystal Forest” constructed on the site.

A group of monks from Sri Lanka travelled here, later on, to take control of the monastery as the supreme patriarch of the right. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon changed hands several times in history until it was ruled by King Naresuan who commemorated his victory over the Burmese troop by building an enormous monument of Phra Chedi Chaya Mongkho at the temple. The name of the temple was thus begun to be associated with the auspicious victory.

Special Features

The architecture of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is consistent with the style of the Khmer era and in keeping with the other ruined temples in Ayutthaya. It includes a centrally situated prang known as the Chedi Chai Mongkhon that stands on a raised rostrum. The ordination Hall (ubosot) is found to the east of the prang with the main assembly hall (Viharn) in the west. The smaller chedis, monks’ residences, as well as the minor halls surrounding the main temple, can be viewed to date as well. The historians have been amazed to discover considerable Burmese influence in the architecture of this particular monastery complex making it apparent that the Burmese had held sway over the region for several years. The North Eastern part of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is one of the principal areas of the premises on account of the huge statue of reclining Buddha made famous by its open eyes. The statue is also believed to have been constructed by King Naresuanand attracts numerous visitors as well as Buddhist pilgrims.