Thai Wat - Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat

The Thai Wat, Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat is in the Thailand Province of Phitsanulok. Commonly called Wat Yai, this Thai Wat is best known for its golden Buddha image, the Phra Buddha Chinnarat which many people consider to be the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand. The Phra Buddha Chinnarat image was cast in BE 1990 (AD 1447) shortly after the Temple had been completed. Three Buddha images were cast at this time but only the 2nd and 3rd images were perfect. These 2 images were named Phra Buddha Chinasi and Phra Sri Sasada which were later removed to Wat Boworn Niwetviharn in Bangkok. The 1st image was recast and again turned out imperfect. The 3rd casting was perfect and became the Phra Buddha Chinnarat. The image is 375cms high x 275cms wide and is in the “Subduing Mara” position. A copy of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat can be found in Wat Benjamabophit in Bangkok.

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat was built in the Sukhothai period during the time of Phra Maha Dhamma Raja (King Li Thai) and today is classified as a 1st grade Royal Temple. In addition to the Phra Buddha Chinnarat Buddha image, this temple also has another well known Buddha in the standing position, the Phra Attharos. The original Phra Attharos was created in Wat Viharn Thong in Phitsanulok but later also removed to Wat Saket in Bangkok. The Large Pagoda of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat is 36m high.

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat is an important Temple, not only to the people of Phitsanulok, but also to Buddhists throughout Thailand. Every King of the Chakri dynasty including the present King, H.M.King Bhumiphol Adulyadej has come to this Temple to worship in front of the Phra Budda Chinnarat image. The Temple is also an important tourist attraction and at times can be extremely busy with many visitors both Thai and non-Thai.

Other Thailand Temples