Wat Mahathat, Bangkok

Exploring Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat is a major Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It is located beside Sanam Luang and next to Thammasat University. The name Wat Mahathat means "Temple of the Great Relic", and is a short form of the full name Wat Mahathat Yuwarajarangsarit Rajaworamahavihara. Indeed the name Wat Mahathat is quite commonly used whenever the temple holds a relic of specifically sacred value.

Wat Mahathat is older than Bangkok itself. It has existed during the Ayutthaya period, when it was known as Wat Salak. Prince Surasinghanart, the younger brother of King Rama I, renovated it in 1783, and renamed it Wat Nipphanaram. In 1788, it was renamed again, to Wat Phra Sri Sanphechayadaram. Following the fall of Ayutthaya and the transfer of the relics of the Buddha here, it was renamed Wat Mahathat. King Rama IV added the suffix "Yuwarajarangsarit" to the name.

King Rama IV resided in Wat Mahathat when he became a monk. His residence at the temple was the Vihara Noi.

The most important building in Wat Mahathat is the Mondop (scripture hall). Inside it is the chedi that contains the relics. This chedi is an example of early Rattanakosin style. It is covered in lacquered gold leaf.

Wihan Photilangka is the main chapel of Wat Mahathat. It was built during the reign of King Rama IV. The main Buddha statue inside the viharn is Phra Nak. It is made of bronze as is in the Sukhothai style.

In front of Wihan Photilangka is the statue of Somdet Chao Phraya Maha Surasinghanat, the younger brother of King Rama I who renoved the temple. However, as no photographs exist from that time, the artist created the statue out of his own impression.

Within the grounds of Wat Mahathat is the Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of two Buddhist universities in Bangkok.It is also the national center for the Mahnikai monastic sect, and the residence of the Buddhist Supreme Pattriach (something like the Buddhist version of the archbishop) of Thailand.

Wat Mahathat Tourist Information

Wat Mahathat Yuwarajarangsarit Rajaworamahavihara
Location: Na Phra That Road
Tel: 0-2221-5999
Opening hours: 9:00am-5:00pm, daily
Entrance fees: By donation, suggested amount 10-20 baht

Getting there

Wat Mahathat is located along Sanam Luang. The easiest way to reach this part of Bangkok is by taxi. Otherwise, you can also take the BTS Skytrain to the Saphan Taksin Station (S6)) and then catch a ferryboat to Chang Pier (N9).

Nearby Sights

Sanam Luang

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Lat Muang (City Pillar)

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Wat Mahathat (29 August 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Location Map of Wat Mahathat in Bangkok

Wat Mahathat (29 August 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Food stalls within Wat Mahathat (29 August 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Cloister of Wat Mahathat (29 August 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Image of venerated monk in Wat Mahathat (29 August 2006)
© Timothy Tye

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