8.Welcome to WAT NA PHRAMEN
Wat Na Phra Men , Wat Na Phra Men is located on the bank of Khlong Sra Bua opposite the ancient Grand Palace.
A majestic giant Buddha image, replete with royal adornments, rises up before you upon entering the nine-room-sized Ubosot of Wat Na Phra Men. This particular Buddha image is known as “Phra Phuttha Nimit Wichit Man Moli Si Sanphet Borom Trai Lokkanat” and hails from the late- Ayutthaya period. Judging by its elaborate decorations, it was presumably built during the reign of King Prasatthong.
The legend goes that Phra Ong In, during the reign of King Rama Thibodi II, ordered the construction of the temple, giving it the name “Wat Phra Men Rachikaram”. It is commonly called “Wat Na Phra Men”. The name supposedly comes from the fact that in the past there was a small temple at the rear called “Wat Khok Phraya”. It was believed to be the area of execution of royalty and a cremation ground. Thus, it was given the name “Wat Na Phra Men”, or “the temple in front of the cremation ground”.
There are many fascinating things located in the temple’s Ubosot. Today, the large building still resonates with the architecture of the mid-Ayutthaya period, combined with the art from the era of King Rama III. Throughout its history, the temple has undergone continuous restorations until the Rattanakosin era. There are no large windows, only balustrade windows crafted into the shape of angular floral balusters. These are works of ancient craftsmanship found at ancient monuments from the Sukhothai period.
Before bidding farewell to the principal Buddha image, take a moment to raise your eyes to enjoy the beautiful stars delicately crafted into the ceiling. Another stop that should not be missed is the crafted wooden gable covered with lacquer and gilt and decorated with glass mosaics, depicting God Vishnu riding on the Garuda who is standing over the head of the Giant Serpent, supported by the Rahu face.
From the Ubosot, stop by the small image hall “Wihan Noi” to pay respect to Phra Khanthararat, a giant stone Buddha image from the Dvaravati period (9th-9th century A.D.). Somdet Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanuphab believed that the Buddha image was moved from Wat Na Phra Men in Nakhon Pathom.
Though many temples were burnt during the second fall of Ayutthaya, this temple was spared because at the time it was a base for the Burmese army. As a result, many things have survived to be admired. Additionally, prior to the first fall of Ayutthaya, this is the site where the King of Ayutthaya (Phra Maha Chakkraphat) and the King of Burma (King Bayinnong) agreed on the peace treaty following the White Elephant war in 1563.