Wat Mahathat Worawihan - 11th to 13th Century Royal Temple - Phetchaburi Thailand 2025

Wat Mahathat Worawihan is an ancient royal temple built somewhere between the 11th to 13th century.

Wat Mahathat Worawihan is located in an old, busy district with narrow lanes and wooden shop houses in the old center of Phetchaburi town.

The large complex is surrounded by a wall with several large elaborate entrance gates. The Wat Mahathat Worawihan comprises of five large prangs, a viharn, an ubosot, several chedis, the kuti and several other monastic buildings. Most eye catching are the five white prangs towering above the area, that are visible from much of Phetchaburi.

The founding date of the temple is unknown, it is believed that Wat Mahathat dates back to the late Mon Dvaravati era or the Khmer era. Objects found during excavations suggest the first structures were built between eight to ten centuries ago. Today nothing remains of the original structures. The prangs have been rebuilt and enlarged many times over the centuries.

At the center of the Wat Mahathat is a large courtyard enclosed by a cloister. At the center of the courtyard stand five massive prangs, known as “Phra Prang Ha Yod”, or five peak prang. The Khmer/Lopburi style towers were constructed during the Sukhothai era.

Surrounded by four smaller ones, the tallest central prang rising over forty meters enshrines Buddha relics. Enshrined in large niches on all of its four faces are standing golden images of the Buddha. The brick plastered prangs, decorated with fine stucco work are topped with a trishula, a three pointed spear, the weapon of the Hindu God Shiva. Sheltering them is a small multi tiered ceremonial umbrella.

In addition to the main prangs are several buildings with a cloister that houses almost 200 Buddha images. The main buildings also have some of the most important Buddha statues in the area and date back to the Ayutthaya era. Inside the main chapel building is also some beautiful mural paintings depicting the life of the Buddha.

The temple is the most important in Phetchaburi and well worth a visit to see.

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