Wat Khun Mueang Chai
In the past, this temple was abandoned and left on the road just like other abandoned temples around the City Island. However, from evidence of the archaeological remains tells us that Wat Khun Mueang Chai is a very ancient temple. In fact, this monastery is often connected with Ayodhya, the pre-dated period prior to the establishment of Ayutthaya, and received a regular maintenance and restorations during ancient times. Evidence shows that Wat Khun Mueang Chai contains multiple overlapping reconstructions from many periods, from the early to late Ayutthaya era before being left abandoned after the siege of Ayutthaya by the Burmese invasion in 1767.
The archaeological remains of the site show traces of destruction, brick stealing, smuggling, and looting into the crypts. However, the large structural remains still show us that Wat Khun Mueang Chai consists of four primary structures: an ubosot, one wiharn, a large stupa, and a two-storey living quarters. This layout represents the early Ayutthayan architectural style. The tall base of the stupa consists of several layers that support a bell-shaped body that tumbled down. Wat Khun Mueang Chai is quite ancient. However, there are not many records of its history. Documents refer to it being used for the important ceremony of taking oaths of allegiance.
Achan No Na Paknam pointed out that the style of the brick alignment, one layer is superimposed over another, was influenced by “Ayothaya’s Art”, which is the period before the Ayutthaya establishment.
Another supporting document called The Deposition of Luang Pradu Song Tham written around the late Ayutthaya period indicated that the principal chedi of Wat Khun Mueang Chai was ‘the main Phra Mahathat of the City’ 1 of 5 in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. His record mentioned that “…Besides, the main religious compounds during the Ayutthaya Kingdom include Phra Maha Prasat Sam Ong and Phra Mahathat Wat Phra Ram, Wat Na Phra That, Wat Rachaburana, Phra Maha Chedi of Wat Luang Suphasawan, Wat Khun Mueang Chai …”
The academic art expert, Achan Santi Leksukhum, indicated that this temple underwent great restoration during the late Ayutthaya period. This shows the importance of this religious place. If the order for the restoration did not come from the king or the royal members, then it should come from the high nobleman to keep the sacred place through the Ayutthaya period.
Therefore, the importance of this temple is more than just an abandoned temple on the side of the road. If you have a chance to visit, please continue sharing the great story of Wat Khun Mueang Chai to others.
Wat Khun Mueang Chai
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Located on Rojana Road near the Ayutthaya College
Tumbon Pratu Chai
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