Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Central Thailand Region
Wat Chaiwatthanaram, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River near Ayutthaya, is one of the most renowned temples in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Constructed in 1630 by King Prasat Thong as the first temple of his reign, it served both as a memorial to his mother and a symbol of the kingdom's glory, possibly commemorating victory over Longvek. The temple's architecture reflects Khmer influences, featuring a central 35-meter-high prang surrounded by four smaller prangs on a rectangular platform. Encircling the central platform are eight chedi-shaped chapels connected by a cross-shaped passage, originally roofed and housing numerous Buddha statues. The temple's exterior walls once displayed intricate reliefs depicting Jataka tales, though only fragments remain today. Historically, it functioned as a royal temple for religious ceremonies and cremations of royalty. After destruction during the Burmese invasion in 1767, it lay abandoned until restoration efforts began in 1987, with public reopening in 1992. The temple was damaged during the 2011 floods but has since been restored. Its design symbolizes the Buddhist cosmology, with the central prang representing Mount Meru and the smaller prangs representing the four continents in the world sea, embodying the universe's structure as described in ancient Thai texts.
ヒント: The best time to visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram is during the cooler months from November to February, preferably early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy softer light for photography. Tickets can be purchased on site, but visiting early helps avoid peak times. Boat access from Ayutthaya offers a scenic approach. Visitors should wear respectful attire due to the temple's religious significance. Guided tours or audio guides can enrich the experience by explaining the temple's symbolism and history. Discounts may be available for students and seniors at the entrance.
興味深い事実
- •The central prang of Wat Chaiwatthanaram stands 35 meters tall, symbolizing Mount Meru, the center of the Buddhist universe.
- •The temple's layout represents the Buddhist cosmology with the central prang surrounded by four smaller prangs representing the four continents.
- •Originally, the temple housed 120 sitting Buddha statues along the rectangular passage, painted in black and gold.
- •The exterior walls featured 12 reliefs depicting Jataka tales, meant to be 'read' clockwise, though only fragments survive today.
- •The temple was used for royal cremations, including that of King Boromakot's son, Chaofa Thammathibet.
歴史
Wat Chaiwatthanaram was built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong as a memorial to his mother and to mark the beginning of his reign.
Designed in Khmer style, it symbolized the Buddhist universe and possibly celebrated Ayutthaya's victory over Longvek.
The temple was abandoned after the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya in 1767, suffering significant damage and looting.
Restoration began in 1987 by the Thai Department of Fine Arts, culminating in its reopening in 1992.
The temple was flooded and damaged again in 2011 but underwent further restoration to preserve its structure and significance.
場所ガイド
Central Prang1630
The towering 35-meter-high central prang symbolizes Mount Meru, the sacred mountain at the center of the Buddhist universe. It features steep stairs leading to hidden entrances halfway up, reflecting Khmer architectural style.
Four Smaller Prangs1630
Surrounding the central prang, these four smaller prangs represent the four continents in the Buddhist world, positioned in the cardinal directions.
Eight Chedi-Shaped Chapels1630
These chapels encircle the central platform, connected by a rectangular cross-shaped passage. They originally contained Buddha statues and were decorated with interior paintings and exterior reliefs illustrating Jataka tales.
Ordination Hall (Phra Ubosot)1630
Located east of the passages near the river, this hall was the site of important religious ceremonies. Adjacent chedis housed the ashes of the king's mother, for whom the temple was built as a memorial.