Wat Phutthaisawan

Found across from the mouth of Khlong Toh (Khlong Chakrai Yai), south of venerable Koh Muang, Wat Phutthaisawan is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The complex encompasses a long history that spans back to the rise of Ayutthaya city. Up until present, the land around the temple has been the home to numerous communities of Chinese, Portuguese, Vietnamese, French and Muslims.

According to some Royal Chronicles, King U-Thong commissioned the construction of the monastery on the location known as “Wiang Lek”, the site of what was once the king’s original residence before he established Ayutthaya as the capital. Standing parallel to the river, the temple grounds open to greet the East and are dominated by the prominence of a central tower-like spire known as a prang. The front is lined by a large wihan (shrine hall) and beyond the principal prang to the West lies an ubosot (ordination hall). This layout was commonly found during the early Ayutthaya period.

The historical significance of the temple is invaluable and offers many interesting attractions. No less than an hour should be devoted to exploring and enjoying the legacy of this site.

The principal prang, though dating back to an early age of Ayutthaya, has remained in near pristine condition thanks to the care and extensive renovations during the time of King Rama V.
To explore its elaborate interior, follow the pathway to admire an array of small pagodas and pay homage to the Buddha’s footprints. On the stairs to the prang, notice the exquisitely crafted ceramic tiles.

While the prang itself can be considered the main attraction, beyond the boundary walls hold other interesting windows into the past. Tam Nak Phra Phuttakosajarn is a two-storey residence built later into the Ayutthaya period. It is believed that the design of the building was greatly influenced by the growing population of Muslims in the region. It is thought that the building was called “Tam Nak” (the royal residence) due to the fact that it was once the home of Phra Phutthakosajarn, a religious figure of the late Ayutthaya period who was highly respected by Somdet Phra Phetracha, then ruler of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

Upon reaching the upper floor of this historic home, visitors are greeted with magnificent mural paintings dating back to 1707. The interior of the hall is adorned with murals depicting the pilgrimage of Somdet Phra Phutthakosajarn to Sri Lanka aboard a junk, as taken from the story in the “Phuttakosa Tales”. This scene reveals the religious ties between Ayutthaya and Lanka. Over time many of the murals have begun to fade, but some remain vivid. One such painting is the scene of Buddha’s footprint by the Nummantanatee River and its worship by the nagas and creatures of the sea, as well as the rendition of the junk from “Phuttakosa Tales”.