Imagine a bell-shaped stupa reaching towards the sky. This is the main stupa of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. This temple is the heart of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province in Southern Thailand. It is a beacon for Theravada Buddhism.
King Sri Dhammasokaraja built the Phra Borommathat Chedi in the early 13th century. He wanted to create a symbol for Theravada Buddhism. People believe this temple houses a tooth of Gautama Buddha.
Legend says Prince Thanakuman and Princess Hem Chala brought the Buddha relic. They built a small pagoda for it in 291 CE. King Si-Thamma Sokarat later established Nakhon Si Thammarat. He built Wat Phra Borom That on the same site. The temple initially followed the Mahayana style of the Srivijaya Kingdom.
Historians say war and disease almost emptied the city. The king rebuilt the city with a larger stupa. This stupa was in the Sri Lankan style. The community helped to rebuild it. This effort re-established Theravada Buddhism.
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan means Great Noble Temple of the Great Noble Relics Stupa. The stupa’s bell shape reflects Sri Lankan Buddhist art. It represents the spread of stupas from India to Sri Lanka. The ruler, Sri Dhammasokaraja, named himself after Ashoka. Nakhon Si Thammarat means town of Dhammaraja.
The temple became a Theravada Buddhist center. Inscriptions show its influence on the Sukhothai Kingdom. The Ayutthaya Kingdom also supported the temple.
The temple complex covers 5.14 hectares. It is divided into two parts. One part is the Buddha-avasa. It is for religious activities. The other part is the Sangha-avasa. It is for the monks’ residence.
The main stupa has an umbrella-like spire and a bell-shaped dome. Relief sculptures of walking Buddhas separate these. The spire is covered in gold leaf. It weighs over 600 kilograms.
Around the stupa’s base are 22 elephant sculptures. Four smaller stupas face different directions. Devotees walk around the main stupa clockwise.
Around the main stupa are many smaller stupas. There is a gallery with Buddha statues. A Sukhothai Buddha statue dates from the 13th-14th century. There are 158 small stupas in total. These hold the ashes of the dead.
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is free to enter. Contributions are welcome. November to February is the best time to visit. The weather is cooler then. February also hosts Makha Bucha Day. It is a major Buddhist event.
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan stands as a testament. It shows the enduring strength of faith. The temple’s architecture and history draw people. They come seeking blessings and understanding. It is a journey through time and devotion.