Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit (commonly referred to as Wat Mahathat) is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples built for over 340 years. Located near Sanam Luang, the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the temple is easy to stop by and it is one of the places you should not miss if you are around this area. The temple is very famous for the collection of artifacts, which is filled with many interesting stories since the establishment of the capital city of Bangkok. Here are the highlights.
Maha Sura Singhanat Monument
If you enter the temple from Sanam Luang, the first thing you will see is the monument of Prince Maha Sura Singhanat. He was the younger brother of King Rama I and played a significant role as a military commander in several wars, from the fall of Ayutthaya through the Thonburi period and the establishment of Rattanakosin or Bangkok nowadays.
Prince Maha Sura Singhanat was also responsible for constructing the Front Palace (Wang Na), which later became the National Museum, and for the restoration of many temples, including Wat Mahathat.
Inside the monument’s base, there is soil collected from 28 different battlefields where he led military campaigns.
Mahabodhi tree
Behind the monument of Prince Maha Sura Singhanat, you will find a large 200 years old Mahabodhi tree.
According to Buddhist scriptures, the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Mahabodhi tree on the banks of the Neranjara River, near Uruvela in present-day called “Bodh Gaya” in India. Therefore, Buddhists regard the Mahabodhi tree as a sacred tree and a symbol of enlightenment.
The Mahabodhi tree at Wat Mahathat was planted in 1814 during the reign of King Rama II. The sapling was brought from Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, a place that holds historical significance for Theravada Buddhism.
Phra Sri Rattana Maha That Chedi
As you walk further into the main complex of the temple, you will find three primary buildings: Ubosot (Ordination Hall), Viharn Luang (Viharn – The Main Vihara) and a smaller central building in between called Mondop.
Inside this Mondop, there is the Phra Sri Rattana Maha That Chedi, a gold-gilded structure adorned with mirrored tiles. It houses sacred Buddha relics and was built in 1783 by Prince Maha Sura Singhanat.
Journeybliss tips: Here you can find a corner or some free space behind the Phra Sri Maha That Chedi where fewer people walk by. You will not feel hot even if the temperature outside is extremely hot due to the good airflow inside the room. Feel free to sit, relax and spend some time as much as you like.
Luang Pho Hin & Astrological Stone Inscription
In the Viharn Luang, you will find Luang Pho Hin, the principal Buddha statue of this hall. Please take a look closely at its base, you will see an ancient astrological stone inscription. Originally, this stone was attached to the base of the Buddha statue. It contains inscriptions describing the year this Buddha statue was created which was in 1685.
Opening Hours
Wat Mahathat opens daily from 8:00-18:00
Entrance Fee
0 THB (Free) for everyone. However, the temple offers donation boxes where you should donate some money for the maintenance. The rate is normally between 5-20 Baht or up to how much you would like to contribute.
How to get there?
Wat Maha That is located in the area of Ko Rattanakosin in which there are many interesting places nearby in a walking distance. Please read about the transportation to this area from this link
