Wat Mahathat

Sukhothai, 13th-14th century

"Wat Mahathat" means "Temple of the Great Relic." It is a common name for relic temples in Thailand, including temples in Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Phitsanulok, Lopburi, and the large complex in Sukhothai that is shown here (view from the east). Construction on the Sukhothai Wat Mahathat was probably begun by King Sri Indraditya, the first king of Sukhothai, and continued throughout the Sukothai and early Ayutthaya periods. The major buildings, as seen here from across the lotus pond, include: ubosot (large viharn), with seated Buddha, photo center; behind it, the tower of the "lotus-bud" chedi; on either side, two large mondops with standing Buddhas, the left obscured by foliage; and further to the right, another chedi and viharn with seated Buddha.