  Queen Si Suriyothai Memorial, Ayutthaya
The Queen Si Suriyothai Memorial or Si Suriyothai Chedi is a monument on the grounds of Wat Suan Luang Sopsawan. I compare it to the Taj Mahal, because it was also built by a king for his wife. In this case, it was built by King Maha Chakrapat (1548-1568) in memory of his wife, Phra Si Suriyothai.
Si Suriyothai Memorial, Ayutthaya (30 December 2002)
© Timothy Tye using this photo |
The troops of Ayutthaya clashed with those of the Burmese from Hongsawadee, led by General Brae. The king immediately wrote towards General Brae to engage him in battle, however, his elephant stumbled, giving General Brae the upper hand. Just as the general was about to stab the king, Queen Suriyothai suddenly intervened to save him. But her elephant also lost balance, and she was fatally stabbed by General Brae. She died was still on the elephant, and the two princes Ramesuan and Mahintarathiraj took her body back to the capital.
To commemorate the queen's sacrifice, King Chakrapat erected a chedi in her honour at a small shrine named Wat Sopsawan, which was thereafter renamed Wat Suan Luang Sopsawan.
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