Phra Pathom Chedi, the
largest pagoda in Thailand. Phra Pathom Chedi is the
official provincial symbol of Nakhon Pathom.
The present Phra Pathom Chedi was
built during the reign of King Rama IV in 1853, under
his royal command, the new Chedi was constructed to
cover the former Chedi of which the shape was of an
upside down bell shape with a Prang top. It is assumed
that the former Chedi dates back to the year 539 AD due
to the fact that the upside down bell shaped Chedi has a
similar style to the Sanchi Chedi in India which was
built in the reign of King Asoka. The construction of
the new huge Chedi was completed in the reign of King
Rama V in 1870 AD. In all, it took 17 years to build.
The completed Chedi is a circular one that features an
upside down bell shape Chedi (Lankan style). The height
from ground to a top crown is some 120.45 metres, and a
total diameter at the base is 233.50 metres. The sacred
Chedi houses Lord Buddha’s relics. During the reign of
King Rama VI, Wat Phra Pathom was renovated and later
the temple became the royal temple of King Rama VI.
Within the monastery compound, there are various
interesting historical items, including the Phra
Ruang Rodjanarith ,an image of Buddha bestowing
pardon, is enshrined in a vihara located to the North
and in front of Phra Pathom Chedi. The casting of this
Buddha image was casted during the reign of King Rama
VI: the image’s head, hand, and feet were brought from
Muang Srisatchanalai, Sukhothai.
Under royal command, a wax sculpture of the Buddha image
was moulded. The casting process was held at Wat Phra
Chettuphon in 1913. Later, the Buddha image was
enshrined in the vihara, located on the north side at
the top of a huge staircase. The King granted the name
of “Phra Rung Rodjanarith Sri-intharathit Thammamopas
Mahavachiravuth Rachpuchaniyabopitr” to this Buddha
image. At its base, the relics of King Rama VI are
housed. Additionally, there are:
Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Museum The museum is
located at a lower level in the east of the church. It
houses artefacts and historical remains which were
discovered during the excavations in Nakhon Pathom
including the coffin and funeral ritual set that were
used in Ya-Lei’s cremation ceremony. Ya-Lei was a dog
very dear to King Rama VI, that was shot and died. The
King was much saddened and commanded to building of a
monument for Ya-Lei as a token of his grief. The museum
is open daily from 09.00-16.30 except Monday and
Tuesday.
Then there is the
National Museum of Phra Pathom Chedi This is
also worth a visit. The National Museum of Phra Pathom
Chedi is located to the south of the Pathom Chedi
compound. It is a 2 storey modern Thai building that
houses artefacts and historical remains, most of which
dates back to Dvaravati period and were found during
excavations in Nakhon Pathom. For more information,
contact Khun Sunthorn, Pali Union Education Foundation
tel: 257-745 or Khun Panom Taeng On, Phra Pathom Chedi
Treasury and Preservation Office tel: 242-143. The
museum is open daily from 09.00-16.00 except Monday,
Tuesday and National Gazette holidays.
Another
historical site located in Wat Phra Prathon Chedi
temple, Tambon Phra Prathon. It is located 2 Kms. to
the east of Phra Pathom Chedi down Petchakasem Road.
The former shape of Phra Prathon Chedi was an upside
down bell like other Chedi that was built in
Dvaravati period. As Wat Phra Prathon Chedi is
located in the middle of the ancient city of Nakhon
Chaisi thus several artefacts were discovered during
excavations. Some of the discovered items include
Buddha images, heads of Buddha images and Buddha
images in terra cotta, as well as a bronze figure of
a garuda gripping naga under it’s claws, which is
the official symbol of King Rama VI.
