CHEDI SI SURIYOTHAI
The white and gold pagoda (Chedi) is situated in the area known as the Hua Laem District or Tha Wasukri, on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. The pagoda is very attractive and can be seen from a distance. The architecture of the chedi consists of a single bell-shaped pagoda with its square base and twelve indented corners. On the top of the four niches over the square base are located smaller chedis without a Buddha statue. It has been gilded with gold paint from the relic chamber to the top of its spire. At that time, this area was the Royal Garden next to Wat Sop Sawan. King Chakkraphat ordered it to be combined into a temple and called it Wat Suan Luang Sop Sawan. Prince Damrong Rajanupab had an assumption that this pagoda might contain the queen’s relics, as it was built to honour Queen Somdet Phra Si Suriyothai, who sacrificed her own life in the elephant fight for the King Maha Chakkraphat.
During the restoration of the pagoda in 1989, relics and offerings made of crystal and gold were found inside the chamber. The relics and offerings were moved to store safely at the Chao Sam Phra ya Museum. Don’t miss these historical artefacts.
After visiting Chedi Si Suriyothai and learning about the historical event, if you have time, don’t forget to visit Thung Makham Yong to pay homage to Queen Suriyothai at her monument. This field simulates the battlefield when the queen was dressed in the male military uniform to accompany King Maha Chakkraphat and her sons to fight against King Tabinshwehti of Burma. The interesting bit of knowledge from this significant historical event is that Queen Suriyothai was the grandmother of King Naresuan the Great. Phra Wisutkasat, the daughter of King Maha Chakkraphat and Queen Suriyothai, was King Naresuan’s mother.
CHEDI SI SURIYOTHAI
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U-Thong Road, Tambon Ta Wasukree
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