Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon (Chai Mongkhon Temple)

Source: https://ww2.ayutthaya.go.th/travel/detail/37?fbclid=IwAR2S7P83fVl_49wnkd4oiVt6v9s1Jw3pivdeugJ-ExL2UOIwoUuLMyp6kj4

Hello March, that month of gray weather which seemingly never ends. Well, early this year I have opportunity went to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province in Thailand. I have seen many beautiful archeological sites that I would like to recommend to everyone, so today I will introduce everyone to the temple that has the largest pagoda in Ayuthaya. That is Wat Yai Chaimongkol. Let’s go to see together!

Source: https://www.thetrippacker.com/th/image/วัดใหญ่ชัยมงคลอยุธยาWatYaichaimongkolAyutthaya/143094

History

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is one of the oldest temples in Ayutthaya. Formerly known as Pa Kaew Temple or Wat Phaya Thai, which was built in the year 1900. From historical infomation, said that King Rama 1 or King Uthong who was the King of Ayudhya built this temple for a monk who had been ordained. In which the clergy have the Thai name "Ka Na Pa Kaew", so this temple is named "Pa Kaew Temple". Then, people were ordained to study here, so there were monastery consisting of;

1. Somdej Phra Wanrat holding a position as the right patriarch.

2. Somdej Phra Phuttha Kho Sa Jarn holding a position as a patriarch for Bible studies.

After that, changed the name to Wat Phaya Thai because it is assumed that King Uthong built Pa Kaew Temple at the cremation area of Chao Kaew and Chao Thai.

Source: https://th.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/ไฟล์:วัดใหญ่ชัยมงคล_06.jpg

In addition, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol has a historical connection with King Naresuan the Great as well. In the year 2135 B.E., when King Naresuan the Great, he defeated the Great Viceroy of Burma at Nong Sarai district, Suphan Buri. Therefore, he built a large pagoda at this temple named "Chaimongkol", but the people called "Chedi Yai". Later then, it is called "Wat Yai Chai Mongkol" until the present. The pagoda was built to commemorate the victory and compassion for the soldiers who did not participate the elephant duel. The construction of the pagoda may be to build the original pagoda or build a new one that is not had evidence and after losing the city for the 2nd time over a hundred years, the temple was restored in the year 2500 B.E.

Source: http://ayothaya.go.th/public/landmark/data/detail/landmark_id/8/menu/138

The importance of temple

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon or Wat Pa Kaew is a temple that Phra Thian Racha risk the candle before becoming king Royal of Ayutthaya. The royal writing said about this episode "When he had finished praying, he lit the two candles. Khun Phirinthornthep reached saw Khun Worawongsa's candle longer than the candle make Phra Thian Racha was angry but in the end, candle of Khun Worawong Athirat was quenched first". After the candle of Khun Worawongsa extinguish, that shows Phra Thian Racha has merit to be crowned. Khun Phirintornthep's group then planned to eliminate Thao Srisuda Chan and Khun Worawongsa Then lifted the monk to honor the king "The Emperor".

Landmarks of interest 

Source: https://go.ayutthaya.go.th/แนะนำที่เที่ยว/วัด-โบราณสถาน/วัดใหญ่ชัยมงคล/

1. Chaimongkol pagoda

Chaimongkol pagoda is located on a high base with an octagonal throne base 60 meters high from the base can be seen from afar. There are stairs up to the Thaksin courtyard. On the front of the pagoda is a large stucco Buddha statue and at the foot of the stairs are two stucco Buddha statues, the left side is called Chao Kaew, while the right side is called Chao Thai. From the architecture of the pagoda as a whole it can be assumed that there should be restoration and changes in every period because the Phra Maha Chedi at the present is probably an art in the reign of Narai, rather than the art of the early Ayutthaya period.

Source: http://www.madchima.org/forum/index.php?topic=12097.0

2. Buddhist Temple

Buddhist Temple contains many important Buddha images. The statue of Buddha is a sandstone Buddha statue throughout the body. The robe is lacquer, gilded, decorated with glass and the non-yellow robe is uninterrupted to see a beautiful sandstone body, which is the attitude of subduing Mara or the attitude of Sa Dung Marn, there was built in the reign of King U Thong.

Source: http://amuletacademy.com/web/travel_detail.php?id=97

3. Reclining Buddha Monastery

Monastery of the Reclining Buddha, in the form of a temple, it is assumed that there are 2 entrances to the north (currently only ruins). Inside the monastery there are only 4 square windows. The pillars of the monastery are round, with signs showing lotus heads and pillars adorning the top. The main Buddha statue of the temple faces east, in front of the temple. Inside the reclining Buddha statue built during the reign of King Naresuan the Great to worship and practicing meditation. This Buddha image was renovated in 1965.

Source: https://www.bloggang.com/m/viewdiary.php?id=morkmek&month=07-2015&date=29&group=3&gblog=295

4. Sittichai Shrine

Sittichai Shrine Built in large golden Thai-style teak wood Raised about 1 meter above the ground, located inside the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon archaeological site. It is believed that Chao Sittichai is the son in the womb of Pra Nang Reua lom or Queen Sunandha Kumarirat Ratchathewi, there is Empress of King Rama V. When he went to Bang Pa-In Palace, the boat capsized in the middle of the Chao Phraya River in the year 2423 B.E., while there was only 21 years. Sittichai Shrine is respected by the villagers nearby. In which some villagers tend to pay respect and request things. When satisfied, tend to bring dolls and children's clothes Including toys for children.

Source: https://www.edtguide.com/travel/432836/King-Naresuan

5. Somdej Phra Naresuan the Great Building

Somdej Phra Naresuan the Great Building located in the area near Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. Inside the royal statue of King Naresuan the Great, the pebble of water declared independence. Currently, there are people coming to worship each other all the time.

From the above, it can be seen that Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is one of the most important historical temples and one of the most popular temples in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Therefore, this is one of the place that you should not miss.

The address

40/3 Village No. 3, Khlong Suan Plu Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province 13000 Phone 035-244-193

GPS coordinates (Google Map)

How to travel

1. By private car

If traveling to Bangkok using the Asian road (Highway No. 32). Turn left at the intersection into Ayutthaya, go straight in and see the roundabout Chedi Sam Pluem Temple. Turn left for another 1.5 km. Wat Yai Chai Mongkol will be on the left hand side.

2. By public transport

From Mo Chit Station, there are regular buses and air-conditioned buses to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya every day, many times a day, including air-conditioned buses, 1st class, Bangkok - Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and air-conditioned buses, 2nd floor, Bangkok - Bangsai Arts and Crafts Center - Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. If you want to more information, please call 0 2936 2852-66 or visit the website www.transport.co.th or a van from Victory Monument and Future Park Rangsit. That connects a motorcycle or local car Go to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple.

Opening hours

Every day from 8.00 - 17.00 hrs.

Entrance fee

Thai people enter for free.

Foreigners pay an entrance fee of 20 Thai baht.

Thank you for your interest in my article, and I promise that next time will definitely bring interesting places for everyone to know. See you next time!

Reference

โชติกา นุ่นชู. (2019). ย้อนรอยโศกนาฏกรรม ตำนานเรื่องเล่าของ “สมเด็จพระนางเรือล่ม” อัครมเหสีในรัชกาลที่ 5. Retrieved February 2, 2020 from https://www.silpa-mag.com/history/article_33627

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Amuletacademy. (N.D.). วัดใหญ่ชัยมงคล. Retrieved January 30, 2020 from  http://amuletacademy.com/web/travel_detail.php?id=97&fbclid=IwAR3zaneY0nkJaP3sIKzTv4_C6hwgjdSfEMFB58m6b2EW3-Vj1p9tHe0kQeo

Ayutthaya Province. (N.D.). วัดใหญ่ชัยมงคล. Retrieved February 1, 2020 from  https://ww2.ayutthaya.go.th/travel/detail/37?fbclid=IwAR2S7P83fVl_49wnkd4oiVt6v9s1Jw3pivdeugJ-ExL2UOIwoUuLMyp6kj4

Bandhit. (2001). พระศรีสุริโยทัย ๒. Retrieved January 30, 2020 from  http://www.bandhit.com/History/suriyothai3b.htm?fbclid=IwAR2fsnfsaE3gKd9JHAEcTMIGB80p1HIovzJ5khxadFD9olta8LPUekuJ4NU

Edt guide. (N.D.). ตำหนักสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช อยุธยา. Retrieved February 1, 2020 from  https://www.edtguide.com/travel/432836/King-Naresuan

Paiduaykan.com. (N.D.). วัดใหญ่ชัยมงคล อยุธยา. Retrieved February 2, 2020 from https://www.paiduaykan.com/province/central/ayutthaya/watyai.html?fbclid=IwAR042sgjAHb3hdBqQsui0B4i-Oaza9wqtTjYGmXbwMcAzf7oCBFMl7mY558

Post today. (2013). แห่ถวายโดราเอมอนศาลเจ้าพ่ออยุธยา. Retrieved January 31, 2020 from https://www.posttoday.com/social/local/199538?fbclid=IwAR0CV6ChGPkMHSDDgkTkkpOSo-0tpnY3tRFPii_n_IavvQSuixlgvzsBcoI