History
Wat Mahathat Worawihan ("Temple of the Great Relic") dates from the Sukhothai period.
What to see
Looking like a space shuttle on the launch pad, the 19th century prang dominates the surrounding area. This huge,
white spire of late-Ayutthayan style is surrounded by four smaller spires and a cloister containing a large number of Buddha images.
The prang can be climbed for views over the town, and is illuminated at night. Walk through the assembly hall (viharn)
to reach it. The viharn enshrines three Buddha important images, Luang Por Wat Mahathat (at the rear wearing Ayutthaya style dress),
Luang Por Wat Ban Laem and Luang Por Wat Khao Ta Krao.
This main hall is decorated with old wall murals in quite good condition that according to one past expert were
"painted with the skill of angels." Murals on the upper walls at either side depict an assembly of celestials paying homage
to the Buddha, while above the entrance is a large painting of the Buddha's victory over Mara featuring Thorani, the Earth
Goddess, and the deity Kala. On the roofs of several temple halls are unusual finials of celestials issuing from the mouth
of a makara - a mythical crocodile-like creature.
Getting there
The temple is on Damnoen Kasem Road, close to the intersection with Phrasong Road, near the center of town and on the main
song-taew route. It is a short walk from the Rabieng Rim Nam guesthouse.
Updated: November 4, 2011.
