Ayutthaya - Sanaam Luang

Bear to the left on leaving the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum from where it is only a short walk to Sanaam Luang (also known as Phra Men Ground); in the western corner stands the Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bo bitr. This was re-erected in 1956 by Thailand's then prime minister Pibulsonggram, in a style identical to the original - the latter having been burned down during the sacking of Ayutthaya and eventually collapsing. Rebuilding the wiharn made it possible to return the much revered and historically important bronze statue of the Buddha, one of the largest in Thailand, to its rightful place, where it had stood since 1603. Although little is known of the statue's early history the combination of U Thong and Sukhothai elements suggest the figure was probably cast in the reign of King Boroma Trailokanat (1448-88). It was he who introduced the Sukhothai style into the design of Buddhas and chedis in Ayutthaya, superceding the Khmer style which had been in vogue until then. Although over the years the statue has been several times restored, it remains little changed in appearance. Some years ago hundreds of small figures were discovered inside it. The artistically inferior ornamentation on the base was added in 1931.