Wat Mahathat

Terrain

General condition

Wat Mahathat is an ancient Buddhist place that is still in use today. Located in the area along the Mekong River caused by the deposition of water sediment.

Height above mean sea level

Waterway

Mekong River

Geological conditions

Located in the area along the Mekong River caused by the deposition of water sediment.

Archaeological Era

era/culture

Archaeological age

Types of archaeological sites

archaeological essence

Wat Mahathat is the oldest temple in Chiang Khan District. Built at the same time as the establishment of the city of Chiang Khan The villagers call it Wat Luang Pho Yai. It is an important historical site that displays local arts and architecture in the Lan Xang style during the 22nd-24th Buddhist century. It is now Wat Rat. Affiliated with Maha Nikaya In the history of the temple, it is said that it was built in 2197 B.E., which was bestowed upon Wisung Khamsima in 1676.

In the past, the area inside Wat Mahathat was also used as the Chiang Khan town hall. When Thailand lost territories on the left bank of the Mekong River to France during the reign of King Rama V, Thais living on the left bank of the Mekong River migrated to Muang Mai, Chiang Khan or the current Chiang Khan district. and named this new city Chiang Khan Mai There is an office in the area of ​​Wat Mahathat. called the City Hall of Chiang Khan Later, the office was moved to the area of ​​Wat Phon Chai until 1909, the city of Chiang Khan, where Phraya Sri Akkahad (Thongdee Sriprasert) was given the position of the first Chiang Khan District Chief, later in 1941, therefore Moved the Chiang Khan District Office to stay at the current address.

Important archaeological sites within the temple are the Ubosot, Viharn, Than (a monk's toilet)

The Temple Located in the middle of the temple The overall architectural art is Lan Xang style mixed with late Ayutthaya.

The building is a brick building with mortar. The building plan is rectangular. facing west elevated temple base The engine was completely destroyed. At present, the temple is made of a galvanized gable roof. There are wings protruding on both sides.

The building has a veranda in front. There are 3 stairs leading up to the balcony, one in the middle and two on the left-right. (North and South) The front of the temple connected to the balcony has 3 doorways. Above the central door is a castle-shaped arch. The outer wall of the building in front of the viharn has "Hup Taem" or vernacular paintings in red, brown, yellow, green, and blue tones, written about the Vessantara Jataka. and write the flora pattern on the arch The ceiling of the balcony is wooden planks painted in red, painted with stars on the ceiling (starting to decay). The floor of the balcony is covered with terracotta. (Some conditions are broken and flaking)

There are also two gates to the temple at the end of the temple. left-right (North and South) of the principal Buddha image There are 4 windows on the long side. (North and South) of the temple, 2 on each side, looks like a small window. or light box

This is because the temple is very dilapidated. The temple therefore demolished the south wall of the viharn to connect with the newly built pavilion. causing the architectural style of the temple to be destroyed.

The pillars on the balcony and inside the sanctuary are round wood. The outer wall and on all sides (3 sides:front or west side. rear or east side and the side or north side) are painted white, but the upper part of the back wall has a mural painting about the Ramayana. The floor of the sanctuary is covered with modern tiles. The ceiling inside the sanctuary is a wooden plank painted in red. Draw the stars of the ceiling like the balcony.

The principal Buddha image in the viharn is Luang Por Yai, a large Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara, wearing a cervical canopy, covered with gold leaf or gilded. But the gold leaf all over the body began to fall off.

In addition, within the viharn is a wooden Buddha image. and many wooden Buddha images including a beautifully carved wooden pulpit The Dharma cabinet is gilded with gold lacquer, the Dharma chest, wooden windows, carved wood and decorated with stained glass with flora motifs. The wooden parapet (?) has traces of lacquer, gilded or painted in the image of a person (Angel?)

Ubosot or sim It is located southwest of the temple. The style is an Isan style style that is influenced by Lan Xang architectural style. It is characterized by solid masonry, cement brick, low base, rectangular plan. Facing west

The gable roof is stacked on top of each other 2 levels with the wishbone protruding on both sides. The roof is thatched with clay tiles, cladding bananas nowadays. The roof is decorated with bouquets of flowers, leaves and swan's tail. The gable and the front of the balcony are decorated with beautiful carved patterns. Phan bai Sri or chedi.

The building has a veranda in front. There are 3 stairs leading up to the balcony, one in the middle and two on the left-right. (North and South) in front of the chapel connected to the balcony has three door openings. Above the three door openings are paintings depicting the Tachachat. (drawn in modern times) The balcony floor is covered with terracotta.

There are also two doors leading to the viharn at the end of the chapel. left-right (North and South) of the principal Buddha image There are 4 windows on the long side. (North and South) of the temple, 2 on each side, looks like a small window. or light box

The general condition of the chapel has been restored until it is in a stable and strong state. However, while exploring, cannot enter the chapel. because the key holder is absent

Than or the monk's toilet, located to the north of the viharn The architectural style is European. Characteristics of a brick building Square plan, size approximately 3x3 meters, raised base, facing south. There is a staircase leading up to the front on one side. a concrete staircase This will go up to the record section before reaching the toilet section. The corridor leading to the base and the window opening on the front porch form an arch.

The interior is divided into 2 toilets. The toilet door is a wooden door painted in blue. engraved floral pattern Behind each toilet There are two high and narrow spaces in each room.

According to the history, this building was built during the reign of King Rama V during the reign of Phraya Sri Akkahat as the governor. At the area of ​​Wat Mahathat is the Chiang Khan city office. This place or toilet was built to welcome foreigners who come to contact the government.

Currently no longer in use The general condition has been maintained to be stable and strong. But the cement wall surface and the exterior paint started cracking and flaking.

In addition to the viharn, ubosot, and sanctuary, there is also a pagoda. The recess is located to the north of the temple. The year it was built is unclear. blending characteristics between central and local arts This chedi is believed to have been built over the serpent hole.