Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, the temple is regarded as the most important historic temple and the most popular tourist temple in Ayutthaya.

HISTORY BACKGROUND

This monastery was built in 1357 A.D. early Ayutthaya period. It was during the reign of King Rama or King U Tong who established Ayutthaya. The purpose of this monastery was to accommodate the monks that once were ordained from Phra Wanratana Mahathera Bureau in Ceylon. This denomination is called The Pakaew Group. Thereby this monastery was named “Wat Pakaew”. Many people were faithful to this domination and were ordained the monks so Pakaew Group became prosperous rapidly during that time.

PAGODA CHAIMONGKHON

It’s a commemoration of King Naresuan’s victory over Burmese by fighting on the elephant’s back. The King Naresuan was able to kill his rival but he could not destroy the enemies army because his soldiers were further behind. King Naresuan was about to execute their life because they were unable to follow him for this fight. However, Somdej Phra Vanarat, Supreme Patriarch (in Buddhism) asked him not to have the death penalty and suggested him to build a Chedi to celebrate his victory instead. King Naresuan decided to construct a large Chedi in this monastery named Phra Chedi Chaimongkhon. This monastery became Wat Yai Chaimongkhon later on.

Viceroy of Burma, it is believed to be the source of Wat Yai Chaimongkol. During the Burmese invasion of 1767, the temple was largely destroyed.

SURROUNDING GALLERY

Lining the gallery walls are hundreds of Buddha images draped in yellow cloth seated on pedestals. Also, the huge Buddha statue is seated beside pagoda and in front. For being blessed or asking for good luck, donate 100 baths to get the yellow robe of the Buddhist monk, and cover up the huge buddha’s statue body.

This is the tremendous stupa (Chedi) that I have ever seen. Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is obviously one of the major temples and the tallest pagoda in the Ayutthaya. The beautiful garden has surrounded the temple for tourist to relax and take a nice picture. Do not miss this temple once you are already here.

King Naresuan’s monument

You will be surprised by a thousand of cock’s statue are located in the surrounding area of the King Naresuan’s monument. The cockfight represents for his own fighting spirit and bravery. Since he has owned the cockfight himself. It used to be gambling for the cockfighting, whose cock won, all money will be theirs. Therefore, the cock is representative of the wealthy and richness as well.

Open Hour: 8.30 to 16.30. It’s free for Thai people and 20 bath for foreigners. In additional, this is still active temple, people are asked to wear a proper dress, no sleeveless or short pants for being respectful.