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Gerry Gantt Nature & Scenic Photography | profile | all galleries >> Thailand ประเทศไทย >> Ancient Temples Of Ayutthaya Thailand >> Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai tree view | thumbnails | slideshow | map

Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai

Wat Phra Chao Phya-thai, วัดพระเชาไพยาไทยหรือวัดใหญ่ชัยมงคล, also known as Wat Yai Chai-mongkol, is situated to the southeast of Ayutthaya. The large chedi (stupa) there can be seen from a great distance. This Monastery was built in 1357 A.D. by King U-Thong for monks who had returned from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) after studying under a revered master. This monastery was originally known as Wat Pa Kaeo. After the king conferred the title of "Somdej Phra Vanarat" ("The Patriarch on the Right Hand Side") on the Vhead of the sect, the monastery was named Wat Chao Phya-thai which means "The Temple of the Supreme Patriarch". A large chedi or stupa (Thai version of the Chinese pagoda) was built here by King Naresuen the Great to celebrate his victory over a Burmese leader in hand-to-hand combat on elephant back. The king built a second chedi named Phra Chedi Chai-mongkol, or the Chedia of the Auspicious Victory, but it was popularly known as Phra Chedi Yai, or the Great Pagoda. Later on Chao Phya-thai also came to be known as Wat Yai Chai-mongkol.
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Great Central and Corner Chedi (DTHA001)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Great Central and Corner Chedi (DTHA001)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Front of Temple (DTHA009)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Front of Temple (DTHA009)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddha Image and Great Central Chedi (DTHA072)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddha Image and Great Central Chedi (DTHA072)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddha Image in Ruined Alcove (DTHA003)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddha Image in Ruined Alcove (DTHA003)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddha Image in Ruined Alcove (DTHA006)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddha Image in Ruined Alcove (DTHA006)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddha Images and Ruined Chedi (DTHA004)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddha Images and Ruined Chedi (DTHA004)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddha Images and Ruined Chedi (DTHA005)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddha Images and Ruined Chedi (DTHA005)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddha Gallery (DTHA007)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddha Gallery (DTHA007)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddhas and Great Chedi Wall (DTHA008)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Buddhas and Great Chedi Wall (DTHA008)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Reclining Buddha and Central Chedi (DTHA002)
Wat Phra Chao Phya-Thai Reclining Buddha and Central Chedi (DTHA002)