Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan

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About Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan

The Great Buddha Statue is a significant landmark of the Ayutthaya Era, a period of rich history and cultural significance in Thailand. The temple housing this colossal statue has miraculously escaped the ravages of wars, standing as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Thai people. The statue, known as Luangpo To, is a beacon of tranquility and peace, greeting all visitors with a kind half-smile. It is a popular destination for devotees seeking blessings and tourists alike.

The sheer scale of the golden Buddha is awe-inspiring, making it a must-see attraction in Ayutthaya. Many visitors include it in their riverboat temple tour, a popular way to explore the city's numerous temples. The site tends to be crowded, especially on weekends, with locals and tourists flocking to witness the grandeur of the Buddha.

The temple and its surroundings are kept in immaculate condition, reflecting the respect and reverence the Thai people have for their cultural heritage. First-time visitors to Thailand often find themselves captivated by the various temples in Ayutthaya, with the Great Buddha Statue standing out among them.

The temple is steeped in history, dating back to 1326, even before the city of Ayutthaya was established. The Buddha statue, originally built with brick and mortar, was later gilded during subsequent reigns. The statue is said to have shed tears when Ayutthaya was attacked by the Burmese in the mid-18th century. Despite its age, the temple remains functional and is never abandoned.

The Wat Phanan Choeng, home to the Great Buddha Statue, is a marvel of Thai architecture. The main Buddha statue, a mammoth 19 meters tall, sits in a blissful and classical pose of subduing Mara. The statue is so well-proportioned that even when looking up at it, the effect is not distorted. Smaller Buddhas line the outer periphery of the main image, looking outwards. The temple's pillars and canopy are beautifully painted in bright and golden colors, and smaller gilded Buddhas are placed in the adjoining halls.

The temple's construction is remarkable, with massive and ancient tree trunks used as pillars, beams, and rafters to support the weight of the various structures. The outer verandah is completely covered with high polished wood, a testament to Thailand's forestry wealth. Lighting a candle and burning an incense stick in this serene environment can transport one back through 700 years of history.

While the temple itself may not be a historical building like most temples in Ayutthaya, it is frequently visited by Buddhists who come here to pray and donate. The building may not be particularly special, but the imposing Buddha inside certainly is. If time permits, a visit to this temple is highly recommended.