 Wat Phra Ram, Ayutthaya
Wat Phra Ram is one of the loveliest and best preserved temple ruin in Ayutthaya. It was initiated by King Ramesuan in 1369 on the cremation ground of his father, King U-Thong. However, King Ramesuan reigned for only one year, before his throne was taken over by King Borom Rachathirat I. (ref: Ayutthaya history #5) It is not known whether construction stopped, or whether Borom Rachathirat I allowed construction to continue. The wat was possibly completed only when King Ramesuan returned to the throne the second time, in 1388.
Wat Phra Ram, Ayutthaya (30 December 2002)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
The temple fell into disrepair after that, but since it was so near the Royal Palace, it was restored on several occasions, and new buildings were added to it. Major renovations were carried out under the reign of King Borom Trai-Lokkanat (1448-1488), King Borommakot (1733-1758) and also in 1941.
Wat Phra Ram has a distinctive prang (corncob-shaped chedi) with a gallery of stucco naga, garuda and statues of the Buddha. There used to be a swamp beside the temple, called Nong Sano. It was renamed Phra Ram Swamp, and turned into a lotus pond where it remains so until today.
Chedis at Wat Phra Ram, Ayutthaya (30 December 2002)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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