October 22, 2008

Wat Na Phra Meru, Ayutthaya

This temple was constructed during the reign of King Ramadhibodi II, the tenth king of the Ayutthya dynasty. It was the place used for signing a peace accord between Tabengchaveti, the King of Burma, and Somdet Phramahchakraphat, the fifteenth King of Ayutthaya.
In 2303 B.E., Alongphaya, a Burmese king, had invaded Ayutthaya and installed his canons in this temple to fire shells on the royal palace, which caused destruction to the palace. On the very same day, a canon burst and badly hurt the Burmese king ae king and resulis death later on.

In its chapel Wat Naphrameru houses a Buddha image in seated posture in royal dress depicting the Lord Buddha as a prince before he gained enlightenment. This type of Buddha image is seldom seen. This image is 6 meters high and 4.40 meters in width.

credit : the documents from the Department of Fine Arts

Wihan Noi or Wihan Kian, apart from its front and back porches, this Wihara is roofed with Thai tiles. The gable is carved into the imitations of flower and birds, ornamented with gold and stained glass. The timber door is carved in Kanok pattern. The mural inside depicting the story of Jatakas and argosy-trading. This Wihara houses a Dvaravadi Buddha Image in European Fashion gesture that is a green stone Buddha image.

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