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Wat Mahathat
Proclaimed as one of the oldest temples in Thailand, Wat
Mahathat, also known as the temple of the Great Relic,
was founded in 1782. History has it that this wat was
built before the foundation of the city of Bangkok. It
was only after one of its monks, Prince Mongkut, (later
known as King Rama IV) became king that the place became
more prominent and underwent renovation. For many years
now the temple is famous as seat of the Mahanikai sect
of Buddhism and as a study centre for learning for monks
belonging to this particular sect. Wat Mahathat is also
the centre of Vipassana Meditation and a part of the
Buddhist University curriculum which teaches its
students the art of meditation.
Visitors to the temple are greeted by large and
sprawling gardens within the complex that house offices,
monastic cells and schools and other buildings. It is a
great place for those who are interested in Thai culture
to have a good idea of the Buddhist monastic life. The
peace and tranquility surrounding the temple makes it a
happy tourist destination. The inner courtyard of the
temple has an entire line of large Buddha statues with a
column of the colonnade going around it. Interestingly,
this is slanted inwardly, which gives a rather unique
view to the hallway.
On the outside one can see an array of interesting drum
towers and wiharns scattered around the courtyard. There
is also a meditation center and a wiharn which is under
a large bodhi tree (pious in Buddhism).
Getting There
The temple is located in Na Phra That Road, which is
near Sanam Luang Park in Bangkok. Take the
BTS Sky Train
(Silom Line) to Saphan Taksin station and decend via
exit 1 to Tha Sathon Pier. From there use the Chao
Phraya River Express to Tha Chang. Get off, cross the
street and walk up the road until you can see the Grand
Palace. In between the Grand Palace and the National
Museum is Wat Mahathat.
Most tourists to this temple also make it a point to
visit the amulet market, (biggest in Bangkok) which is
very close by.
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