Phra Mongkhon Bophit
History of Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Phra Mongkhon Bophit is one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand. The image measures 9.55 metres at the widest point across the lap, and 12.45 metres high without the base. This Buddha image is seated in the position of subduing mara and situated on the west side of the old palace compound in the Vihara of Phra Mongkhon Bophit temple. The image is believed to have been condstructed in the early Ayutthaya period between 1448 to 1602 A.D. and was originally situated at the east side of the old palace compound. Later, during the reign of King Song Tham it was moved to the west side and a Mondop was built to shelter it. During the reign of King Phra Chao Sua (1706 A.D.) the top part of the Mondop and the head of the image were damaged by lightning. The Mondop was converted into a Vihara and the main restoration of Phra Mongkhon Bophit was completed during the reign of King BoromaKote (1742-1743 A.D.).
During the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1767, the roof of the Vihara was damaged by fire and the head and the right arm of the image were broken. Later the image was repaired and the Vihara was completed again in 1956.
On 23 March 1990, The Supreme Patriarch presided over a candle lighting ceremony in front of the image and amounced that people could honour the image by convering it with gold leaf H.M.Queen Sirikit auspiciously paid homage to the image a donated Baht 70,000 to the restoration fund. Henceforward the Mongkhon Bophit Foundation undertook to cover the image with gold leaf in celebration of the 60th birthday of H.M. Queen Sirikit.
credit : signed board Courtesy of Shangri-la hotel
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