Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan, commonly referred to by locals as "Wat Yai," and sometimes called "Wat Phra Phuttha Chinnarat," is a significant historical site and a spiritual center for the people of Phitsanulok. It is located on the eastern bank of the Nan River within Phitsanulok city. The temple was officially registered as a national historical site in the Royal Gazette on September 27, 1936 (B.E. 2479), with its land boundaries further designated in 1989 (B.E. 2532), covering a total area of approximately 15 rai 3 ngan 83 square wah (about 6.2 acres). Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan is one of Phitsanulok’s most important cultural tourism destinations, showcasing the beauty of an ancient cultural landscape that reflects the flourishing art and culture of Thailand.

 

Historical and archaeological evidence, as well as discovered antiquities, indicate that the construction of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat likely began during the Sukhothai period, around the 19th–20th Buddhist centuries. The main concept of the temple’s construction follows the traditional principles of stupa building prevalent along the Chao Phraya River basin and nearby areas during the 17th–18th Buddhist centuries. The temple’s layout features a central principal chedi and an eastern vihara (assembly hall) housing the Buddha image known as Phra Attharot. The creation of the Phra Attharot follows Sukhothai-era traditions and reflects the religious beliefs and craftsmanship of Thai artisans of that era.

 

During the Ayutthaya period, under King Boromtrailokanat, when the monarch resided in Phitsanulok, Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat underwent extensive renovation. The principal chedi was modified into an Ayutthaya-style prang, and the temple’s orientation was adjusted from facing east to align with the river, reflecting the traditional layout practices of communities along the Chao Phraya River basin. Additionally, the vihara, cloisters, and ubosot (ordination hall) were constructed and restored to completeness, making the temple a site of outstanding historical and architectural value.

 

The most prominent feature of the temple is the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, enshrined in the western vihara. This Buddha image is in the Sukhothai artistic style and was created during the reign of King Lithai (Phra Maha Thammaracha I). It is considered one of the most revered Buddha images in Thailand, worshiped by kings and commoners alike from the Ayutthaya period through the Rattanakosin era. According to the royal literary work “Touring the City of Phra Ruang” (Thiao Mueang Phra Ruang) by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat was a Buddha image that monarchs paid respect to whenever they visited Phitsanulok, highlighting its historical importance and sacredness as honored by both the royal court and the general populace.

 

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan also serves as a prime example of a well-preserved ancient cultural landscape. The temple grounds are carefully integrated with the Nan River and the surrounding urban environment, enhancing both architectural and scenic beauty. The Fine Arts Office Region 6, Sukhothai, under the Department of Fine Arts, Ministry of Culture, has played a key role in promoting the conservation of the temple’s architectural heritage and landscape, ensuring that locals and visitors alike can appreciate its historical and aesthetic significance.

 

Visiting Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan is not only an opportunity to pay homage to the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat but also a chance to learn about the history of Phitsanulok, the religious beliefs and lifestyles of past generations, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The temple’s beauty continues to reflect the splendor of Thai art and architecture, offering a unique cultural experience and serving as a major cultural tourism destination that attracts visitors from around the world to witness centuries of historical grandeur.