The design, architecture and decoration of a Khmer temple were modeled according to
a series of magical and religious beliefs. Devotees moved from the mundane world to a
spiritual one by walking along one of the four axes, each of which has a different
astrological value. East, the direction of the rising sun, was auspicious, representing life
and the sexual prowess of the male. Most of the Khmer temples were built with the
entrance to the east, as this was the formal approach to most Hindu shrines. In general,
however, west is considered inauspicious and represents death, impurity and the setting
sun. North is also auspicious, while South has a neutral value. The Khmers adhered to
the Hindu belief that a temple must be built correctly according to a mathematical system
in order for it to function in harmony with the universe. [11] The sanctuary or the abode
of gods was built in the center of the city to imitate Mount Meru which the Khmers
believed to be the center of the universe. The town layout, a square-shape,
corresponded with the Mandala concept, arising from Hindu beliefs, which indicated the
boundary of the universe. [12]
All temples in the early period of the establishment of Ayutthaya were clearly Khmer
styled, consisting primary of laterite structures (instead of sandstone) and bricks,
enhanced with stucco. Wat Maha That consisted basically of a large central prang
surrounded by four subsidiary prangs at the four inter-cardinal points, standing on a
raised square platform. The quincunx was surrounded by a courtyard and a roofed
gallery, lined with a row of Buddha images. Typically for the Ayutthaya period is that
often the gallery was penetrated by a monastic structure, being an ordination or an
assembly hall, or even sometimes both. An exception to this was Wat Phutthai Sawan.