Contemplate the majesty of Wat Nakhon In. It is a testament to Thailand’s rich Buddhist heritage.
Wat Nakhon In stands as a beacon of faith. It is a place of serenity and reflection for locals and visitors alike.
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan shares some history. King Sri Dhammasokaraja built its main stupa in the early 13th century. The stupa established Theravada Buddhism in the province. The temple houses a tooth of Gautama Buddha.
Legend states Prince Thanakuman and Princess Hem Chala brought the relic of Buddha. They built a small pagoda in 291 CE. King Si-Thamma Sokarat then established Nakhon Si Thammarat. He built Wat Phra Borom That on the same site. It was in the Mahayana-style of the Srivijaya Kingdom. Nakhon Si Thammarat was key in the ancient Tambralinga kingdom. It was part of the Srivijaya empire until the early-13th century.
Historians believe epidemics and war emptied the city. The king built a larger stupa in the Sri Lankan-style. This redevelopment brought the town community back together. Religious buildings were built between the 13th and 18th centuries. Wihan-Bodhi Lanka is a roofed cloister. It surrounds the Bodhi tree. This tree is believed to be a sprout of the Mahabodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple is in Bodh Gaya, India.
The Thai name Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan comes from Pali. It means Great Noble Temple of the Great Noble Relics Stupa. The bell-shaped stupa reflects Ashoka’s transmission of the stupa tradition. It went from India to Sri Lanka. The ruler of Nakhon Si Thammarat called himself Sri Dhammasokaraja. This means Ashoka the great. Nakhon Si Thammarat means town of Dhammaraja.
The stupa made Nakhon Si Thammarat the center of Theravada Buddhism. Sukhothai Kingdom inscriptions mention the city’s influence. It spread and strengthened Theravada Buddhism. The Ayutthaya Kingdom also patronized the temple. They ruled present-day Thailand between the 14th and 17th centuries. The stupa and other buildings took over 100 years. Restorations occurred in 1612-1616, 1647, 1732-1758, 1769, 1895-1898, 1914, 1972-1974, 1987, 1994-1995, and 2009. The temple was nominated to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list in 2012.
The Phra Borommathat Chedi is the principal stupa. It was built in the early-13th century. The stupa contains relics of Gautama Buddha. It is a key Theravada Buddhism site. The temple complex covers 5.14 hectares. It is enclosed by brick walls. There are four gates. The temple divides into two zones. The Buddha-avasa is for religious activities. The Sangha-avasa is for monks.
Twenty-two sculpted elephants surround the stupa’s base. The base is square with a low brick wall. This allows clockwise ambulation. Four bell-shaped stupas surround the main stupa. The main stupa has an umbrella-like spire. It has 52 rings. Walking Buddha images in relief separate the spire. The spire is 10.89 meters high. It is covered with 600 kilograms of gold leaf. Precious stones stud it.
The principal stupa stands in a cloister. It is covered with colored tiles. A gallery lines it with Buddha images. The oldest is a Sukhothai-style image dating from the 13th-14th century. One hundred fifty-eight minor chedis house ashes. Staircases leading to the stupa are guarded by demon giants. Chapels depict scenes from Buddha’s life. A small cloister encloses the Bodhi tree. Outside is the main assembly hall. It is called Wihan Luang. Its columns lean inward in the Ayyuthaya-style. It was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. The ceiling is richly decorated.
A chapel is dedicated to Buddha’s disciple Kaccayana. The temple museum contains historical objects. These include Buddha images and offerings. North of the ubosot is a mondop. It has a two-tiered roof. It contains a Buddha footprint shrine. Two bronze statues depict Tambralingan princes. They may also represent Hindu gods.
The 22 elephants at the base symbolize the 22 spiritual faculties. The 52 rings on the spire represent the 52 mental factors. The eight walking Buddha statues denote the Noble Eightfold Path. The stupa’s height and width ratio is 2:1. This implies integrity of corporeal and spiritual aspects. The stupa’s height is 28 wa and its width is 14 wa. The spire and base reach 78 meters.
The 25 satang coin features an image of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. It is a symbol of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Jatukam Ramathep amulets are lucky charms.
The Hae Pha Khuen That festival is annual. It is held on Magha Puja. Celebrations include a procession. A robe wraps around the stupa. The festival started in 1230.
Wat Nakhon In stands as a testament to faith. It reflects Thailand’s vibrant cultural and religious traditions. As you leave Wat Nakhon In, remember its serene beauty. Carry its message of peace and enlightenment.