Wat Phra Sri Mahathat is a royal temple in Phitsanulok, founded in the 14th century. Locals call it Wat Phra Si or Wat Yai, meaning “big temple”.
It is home to the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, one of the most revered Buddha images in Thailand, which makes it an important place of pilgrimage for Thai Buddhists and draws many visitors every year.
The Phra Buddha Chinnarat
The Phra Buddha Chinnarat is a revered Buddha image made in the Sukhothai style. Its flame-like halo gives it a distinctive appearance. It was cast at the same time as two other famous bronze images, Phra Phuttha Chinnasi and Phra Si Satsada. According to tradition, bronze left over from casting these three images was used to make another statue, known as Phra Leau. There is also a museum in the temple with images of the Buddha, historical objects and offerings.