Mahasaman Temple

Terrain

General Condition

Wat Maha Saman is an archaeological site located in the southwest area within the island of Ayutthaya. It is behind or on the east side of the present Siriyalai Palace. It was originally a temple along the Chao Phraya River. Opposite the river with Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Height above mean sea level

Waterway

Chao Phraya River, Pa Sak River, Lop Buri River, Noi River, Khlong Muang

Geological conditions

The Central Plains are caused by the movement of major faults, namely the Mae Ping Fault (almost connected to the Moei Fault), Uttaradit Fault (Nam Pat), and the Three Pagoda Fault. from the Late Cretaceous to the Tertiary This was followed by the opening of the southern Gulf of Thailand and the formation of the Tertiary Basin in the northern and upper western regions and was followed by the formation of the north-south fault line (Bunopas, 1981). up on land like a fan-shaped sedimentary hill sedimentary plains, waterways, lakes, and semi-waterways and lakes

Geological features Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province Located in the southern central plains Make it deep under the ground of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province It is a source of large pebbles. Gravels and sand are large and rounded. Groundwater accumulates between gaps and grains of pebbles and sand. interspersed with clay layers resulting in multiple layers of groundwater and is a layer of water that spreads widely horizontally has unique hydrogeological properties which is a characteristic found in most of the groundwater layers of the South Central Plain, that is, each layer of groundwater There will be a layer of clay under support. and covered on top Classified as groundwater under pressure (Confined aquifer)

Archaeological Era

era/culture

Types of archaeological sites

archaeological essence

Wat Maha Saman is an archaeological site located in the southwest area within the island of Ayutthaya. It is behind or on the east side of the present Siriyalai Palace. It was originally a temple along the Chao Phraya River. Opposite the river with Wat Chaiwatthanaram Build history not found But it may be assumed that it was built by nobles. or the rich man of Ayutthaya

The word “Maha Saman” appears in the ancient northern urban legends, referring to the indigenous community who regarded “Saman” as a benevolent beast who sacrificed his life for his king. Traces of the motto of respect for "Saman" may have been passed on to Ayutthaya when forcibly forcing the northerners from the cities down. Wat Maha Saman may be another area of ​​northern people or Sukhothai people in the city island (Department of Fine Arts 2008 :92).

The area in front of Maha Saman Temple was originally supposed to be a port of Ban Chee. which is the ferry terminal to Wat Chaiwatthanaram which is on the opposite side which was an important hire port 1 in 4 ports of the western city island in the Ayutthaya period (Department of Fine Arts 2008 :92)

The condition before the excavation of Wat Maha Samaman was found. The temple area is located on a high mound. To the north, there is a former moat passing to the pond that is still visible today. This ditch should have been dug when the temple was built. Then take the soil up to fill the high temple area like many Temple built in the Ayutthaya period

The chedi of Mahasamana Temple is a large chedi. It is located in the west of the temple. A piece of slate parapet was found. Considering the characteristics of the sema leaves, it is probably a pair of sema leaves. Which was found in the temple built in the Ayutthaya period in general. The lower base was broken around, but it can be assumed that The structure is a spherical base. Under the bell body, there is a lotus-mouthed bell base. Stucco pattern in the shape of lotus petals upside down lotus facing upwards Above the bell is a square throne. There is a pattern of columns in front of the board. Above the throne there may be a pillar. Because the pagodas all around Why would there be a pillar above the throne to support it? The appearance of this chedi is probably the style of the chedi in the later Ayutthaya period.

Later, the Fine Arts Department excavation and restoration of ancient sites in Wat Maha Saman in 1994 found many more archaeological evidence in this temple area, such as

An inverted bell-shaped circular pagoda This pagoda was clearly seen before the restoration of the temple. It is assumed that it is the main chedi of the temple. Probably influenced by architecture from Sukhothai period art. But has evolved into the style of Ayutthaya. In addition, on the east side of the chedi, a platform was found about 30 centimeters from the base of the chopping board at the bottom of the chedi. On the west side, it was found that a 6.80 x 6.00 meter base was erected protruding from the base. lotus flower and found a piece of stucco pattern in the form of a lion's leg Archaeologists assume that the excavated brick line may be the foundation of the Than Sing Chedi that was later reinforced.

2. Foundation of the Ubosot as a recessed base On the east and west sides, there is a foundation wall between the inner temple and the outer pillar. All pillars are octagonal pillars, plastered to form round pillars. On the ground below, around the Ubosot, traces of the base of the parapet were found in all 8 directions. The parapet made of slate, north, east and south found a glass wall.

3. Pagoda Rai In the northwest and south of the chapel, found a mound of soil, assumed to be the foundation of the Rai Pagoda.

Other antiques are also found, such as a bronze Buddha image. Pottery prints, earthenware, glass balls and bronze bracelets, etc.

From the evidence found Archaeologists assumed that the temple and the main chedi were probably built in the early Ayutthaya period. and there were additional renovations throughout until the late Ayutthaya period.