Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Lopburi - 800 Year Old Khmer Temple

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat

Large Royal temple in Lopburi founded by the Khmer 800 years ago.

The Wat Phra Sri Mahathat is a large Royal temple in the center of Lopburi. The temple was founded when Lopburi was under control of the Khmer empire from Angkor, in present day Cambodia.

The eight acres complex which is little visited by foreign tourists houses structures from several periods, the oldest ones being the main prang dating back around 800 years.

Khmer style Prang

The main prang was built by the Khmer in the Bayon style in the late 12th or early 13th century. Standing on a platform, it was probably flanked by similar prangs of smaller size, of which virtually nothing is left. On the West side a portico protrudes out from the structure, giving access to the prang’s interior.

The prang was adorned with fine stuccoed artwork depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, some of which are still intact. Inside is the cella, the room where the Khmer people worshipped the linga, the representation of the Hindu God Shiva. Surrounding the platform supporting the prangs was a gallery, of which the base of the walls is still visible.

Centuries later several buildings were added to the complex. In the second half of the 17th century King Narai the Great, King of Ayutthaya, had his Palace built directly next to the temple. The King had the temple restored, added a viharn or assembly hall and several chedis.

Other structures include several smaller prangs, a small ubosot or ordination hall and several chedis in different styles, including Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.

The temple complex is one of the best sites to visit in Lopburi. It is located right next to the train station making it an easy site to visit and explore.

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