Erected on sacred ground Wat Khlong Phra Ram stands as a testament to Ayutthaya’s rich history. You are standing before a restored ruin. It is located in the Historical Park of Ayutthaya.
Wat Khlong Phra Ram was built in Pratu Chai Sub-district. The temple is near the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. It sits in a swampy area known as Bueng Phra Ram.
This monastery marks the cremation site of King Ramathibodi I. He was the first Ayutthayan monarch who reigned from 1351 to 1369.
The exact construction date of Wat Phra Ram remains debated. Different Ayutthaya Chronicles offer varied timelines. The Luang Prasoet version suggests 1369. This was during the Late Ayutthayan era. Later versions place it in 1434. This was after Borommaracha II’s death.
The Luang Prasoet version says that Wat Phra Ram was the first temple built after King Ramathibodi I died. Later accounts suggest the temple expanded. It gained a Khmer-styled prang and a vihara.
Most scholars believe King Ramesuan ordered Wat Phra Ram’s construction in 1369. It was to honor his father’s cremation site. King Borommaracha I likely continued the work after Ramesuan abdicated. Another major renovation occurred in 1741. This was during Borommakot’s reign.
Constructing temples was a way for kings to gain merit. Religious merit legitimized their rule. Donating the site to monks allowed kings to honor ancestors. Depositing remains inside a prang ensured rebirth as a Buddha. Valuables in crypts also served this purpose.
Wat Phra Ram follows the Khmer temple design. This is similar to Wat Maha That and Wat Phutthaisawan. These temples feature a central tower. Four corner towers surround it forming a quincunx.
Guy Tachard described Wat Phra Ram in 1685. He noted a large structure with five gilt domes. Narrow stairs led to the top. Statues adorned the staircases. Forty-four pyramids surrounded the building.
Johannes Vingboons’ map of Ayutthaya shows Wat Phra Ram. Jacques Nicolas Bellin’s map also indicates Wat Phra Ram as the “Grande Pagode”.
Excavations at Wat Phra Ram found artifacts. Some are displayed in the Chao Sam Phraya Museum. Looters likely emptied the relic chambers earlier.
A Buddha footprint was also discovered. It is now at the Bangkok National Museum. The sandstone footprint dates to the 15th century. It measures 225 cm x 95 cm. Each toe features spiral shells. The sole is divided into three parts. It displays 108 auspicious symbols.
Wat Phra Ram is mentioned in the poem “Khun Chang Khun Phaen.” This suggests it was once an active monastery.
Peter Williams-Hunt’s 1946 photographs show Wat Phra Ram’s ruins. These images capture the state of the temple after World War II.
Today Wat Khlong Phra Ram stands as a reminder of Ayutthaya’s glorious past. Its ruins whisper tales of kings religious merit and artistic grandeur. As you leave take a moment to reflect on the history.