Wat Phra Buddhabat

The splendid Wat Phra Buddhabat (from "Buddhapada", Sanskrit for the symbolic presence of Buddha) is a jewel of Thai architecture and one of the holiest places in the country. The temple gets its name from a footprint belonging to Buddha that is worshipped here.

History and legend have become confused over the years. Around 1615 the Ayutthaya King Songtham (1610-28) sent Thai monks to Ceylon to pay homage to a footprint of Buddha. Singhalese monks, however, pointed out - according to Pali texts - that one of the five "genuine" footprints of Buddha to be found in the world was on Siamese territory. Shortly afterwards this place was discovered by a hunter: an injured stag showed him the way to a water-filled foot-shaped depression in the ground. On drinking the water he was cured of a bad skin disease from which he had suffered for years. This miracle was reported to the king who had a temple built here. It was destroyed in 1765 by the Burmese shortly before their invasion of Ayutthaya, the present buildings were built around 1800 by King Rama I on several hills. The mondhop with the legendary footprint is a richly decorated work in blue and gold. A high tripartite staircase with the body of a five-headed naga winding up its balustrade leads to the terrace bordered by white balustrades. Twenty narrow columns bear the ornate pyramid-shaped roof decorated with colorful glass mosaics which becomes a ringed spire ending with a delicate peak. Various large bronze bells hang on the terrace, gifts from pilgrims. The doors are beautifully inlaid with mother-of-pearl, the floor inside with the footprint heaped with votive gifts is covered by a mat of silver threads. The coffered ceiling is ornately decorated.

In the temple grounds on the hill slope can be found a wiharn acting as a museum (votive gifts and temple relics), a small bot, a Chinese and Hindu temple and several chedis. From this height there is a fine view over temple roofs and chedi spires. At the base of the temple there is much activity, merchants selling wooden sticks with religious symbols (for striking the bells), amulets, cult objects, food and drink. Twice a year the Wat Phra Budhabat is the destination of several hundred pilgrims from near and far. One festival is in January together with a fair, the other takes place on fluctuating dates between March and October.