Things to do in Sukhothai, Sukhothai Province: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites

Reviewed By hooman1020 - Tehran, Iran

Wat Mahathat (Mahathat Temple) is the largest and the most impressive Buddhist temple in Sukhothai Historical Park. It is located in the central zone of the old walled town. Wat Mahathat was the most important temple of the Sukhothai Empire, located next to the Royal Palace. Wat Mahathat means “temple of the Great Relic”. This Splendid temple was founded by Sri Indraditya, in the 13th century to enshrine relics of the Lord Buddha. The temple was built following the concept of Mandala, an ancient Hindu symbol representing the universe. The main stupa is surrounded by smaller stupas in eight directions. The main stupa has the shape of a lotus bud. Both sides of the main stupa has two 9 meters tall standing Buddha images (Phra Attharot). I think it was 10 years ago when I saw an amazing photo of a Lord Buddha image. The Lord Buddha was sitting and the image had an imaginary reflection in the pond’s water in front of the Lord Buddha image. I didn’t know where had been taken this unique photo and I wished that I could visit this mysterious temple one day. Finally after 10 years I found Wat Mahathat (the mysterious temple) and the Lord Buddha image in Sukhothai, where the unique photo had been taken. This white Buddha image which is in Bhumisparsha position, can be seen even from outside of the temple. Another thing which can be seen from outside of the temple is a masonry Chedi made of red bricks. Although much parts of the temple are some ruins, but the temple has an unbelievable yard with tidy garden and beautiful flowers. In my opinion, by having Lord Buddha sitting image and many other Buddha statues and holy buildings and a very peaceful atmosphere, Wat Mahathat is the most wonderful temple in Sukhothai.