Wat Phra Sri Mahathat

Wat Phra Sri Mahathat is an imperial temple that was founded some 800 years ago during the 14th century. It is usually referred to by the natives as Wat Phra Si and other locals as Wat Yai all meaning an immense temple. The size of the temple is remarkable and an attraction by itself. Something that makes this temple very famous is that it is home to the most revered and beautiful Buddha image in Thailand. This makes the sanctuary a very significant pilgrimage spot for the Thai Buddhist. The massive Buddha statue attracts thousands of tourists and foreigners every year.

Meet the Most good-looking Buddha icon!

Situated directly opposite the main railway station on Lopburi town stands the renowned Wat Phra Sri Mahathat. Covering 3.2 hectares of land, the size of the temple is impressive. Something unique about this temple is that it boasts to have different architectural styles which are exhibited in the different towers. This clearly tells that the temple has survived different periods over the centuries. However, the temple has gone through some modification, restoration, expansion, and renovation over the years. The main pagoda and the oldest portion of the temple is the central prang constructed during the 12th century in the Khmer style. It is the most essential and the major stupa of the temple and is known as Chedi. It was built prior to the other sacred architectural buildings in the sanctuary by King Sri. It has a gigantic bell-shaped rooftop and it is where the most revered Buddha image is housed. Phra Buddha Chinnarat the most beautiful and sacred Buddha image was made in Sukhothai period art. Its wooden flame-like halo gives it a unique style making it exceptionally beautiful. It is cast together with other famous bronze statues on its right and left side known as Phra Phuttha Chinna Si and Phra Si Satsada. During the construction of these three Buddha statues, there were some bronze leftovers that were to make another statue known as Phra Leau housed in a small temple ground. You will also find a museum inside the temple with images of Buddha, historical objects and auspicious offerings that is worth a visit. Other attractions at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat temple are a small shrine just at the entrance with a Buddha image, a walking Buddha on the left side of the main tower, a sitting Buddha on the front side of the prang and a standing Buddha at the open space behind the tower that was built in 1257 in the Sukhothai architecture. On each side of the temple are sacred fig trees with a Buddha image underneath each. The temple grounds have a park setting where you can relax and is a great photogenic spot.