Home of the Famous Phra Buddha Chinnarat
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is located in downtown Phitsanulok on the banks of river Nan, about 100 m north of Highway 12 close to Naresuan bridge. Dating back to the 14th century, this royal temple is often referred to by the locals as Wat Phra Si or Wat Yai, which in Thai means ‘big temple’. It is famous for housing the golden image of Buddha known as Phra Buddha Chinnarat – one of the most beautiful and highly revered Buddha images in Thailand. This Sukhothai style image in the subduing Mara posture is 375 centimeters tall. A distinctive feature of the image is the aureola which is in the shape of flames, surrounding most of the image. It is mainly due to the attraction of Phra Buddha Chinnarat that Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is an important pilgrimage place for Thai Buddhists.
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
Posted on: 22nd February 2016
Phra Attharos and the Lanna Style Viharn
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat also houses the Phra Attharos – another famous image of Buddha. The large standing sculpture is visible directly across the temple’s prang. In front of Phra Attharos are the remains of a large chapel. Behind it stands a 36 m high Ayutthaya style prang enshrining the relics of Buddha. The prang’s corncob shaped top in gold color has four rows of niches that enshrine images of the Buddha. The Lanna style viharn at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat was constructed during the mid 18th century under the rule of King Boromakot. TheWat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat building features a multi-tiered ceiling with Naga serpents at the edges of the ceiling barges. Its wooden doors are embellished with ornate pearl decorations. Around the viharn is a cloister that houses numerous standing and seated Buddha images.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fee
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat opens everyday from 6:30 am till 6 pm. Entry inside the temple costs around 40 Baht per person. The on-site museum displaying artifacts and several Buddha images opens five days a week (Monday, Tuesday and public holidays are closed) from 9 am till 5 pm. The temple can get a bit overcrowded during weekends and other holidays. There are restrictions on clothing. So you’re advised to dress carefully – no bare shoulders, no short pants.
Pay a visit to Phra Buddha Chinnarat in a Phitsanulok car rental and get to choose form the biggest fleet of cars that our suppliers offer- from all car categories to brands plus special 8/9-seaters to diesel counterparts.