Mae Soi Dok Mak Shrine

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Open Days: Open daily in accordance with the operating hours of Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan

Opening Hours: Daytime, following the temple’s hours and as deemed appropriate by the shrine

 

Mae Soi Dok Mak Shrine, also known among the Chinese community as “Chao Mae A-Nia Shrine,” is one of the sacred shrines in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. It is located within the grounds of Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan, Khlong Suan Phlu Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District. The shrine is well known for its legendary origins, enduring beliefs, and its spiritual significance, particularly in matters of love, relationships, and fertility. As a result, it has remained a deeply revered place of worship for generations.

 

Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan is one of Ayutthaya’s most important temples, situated along the Chao Phraya River. It has long served as a spiritual center for both Thai Buddhists and Thai people of Chinese descent. Within the temple grounds, besides the renowned Phra Phuttha Trairat Nayok (Luang Pho To), Mae Soi Dok Mak Shrine is located by the riverside. This setting holds symbolic significance in both geographical and spiritual terms, linking waterways, travel, and the enduring legend associated with the shrine.

 

The history of Mae Soi Dok Mak Shrine has been passed down orally among the people of old Ayutthaya for generations. According to legend, the Emperor of China bestowed his royal daughter, Princess Soi Dok Mak, in marriage to King Sai Nam Phueng, the ruler of Ayodhya, as a gesture of diplomatic alliance between the two kingdoms. A grand procession of Chinese junks was arranged to escort the princess by water to Ayodhya.

 

When the royal convoy arrived at the riverside near Wat Phanan Choeng, Princess Soi Dok Mak saw only court officials waiting to receive her, but not King Sai Nam Phueng himself, who was still making preparations inside. Deeply hurt by what she perceived as an unbefitting welcome for a Chinese princess, she refused to disembark from the vessel despite repeated invitations.

 

Later, when King Sai Nam Phueng personally came aboard to invite her, the princess reproached him in sorrow. The king responded jokingly, saying, “If you do not wish to come ashore, then remain here.” These words struck her deeply. Overwhelmed with grief, Princess Soi Dok Mak held her breath and passed away on the boat itself.

 

King Sai Nam Phueng was devastated upon learning of her death. He ordered royal funeral rites to be performed and had a shrine constructed at the riverside to commemorate his profound love, sorrow, and loss. This legend transformed Mae Soi Dok Mak Shrine into a lasting symbol of steadfast yet tragic love, and a place of remembrance that continues to be revered to this day.

 

Some scholars believe that the name “Wat Phanan Choeng” may be connected to this legend, deriving from phrases such as “Phra Nang Ao Choeng” or “Phra Nang Tham Choeng,” referring to the princess’s refusal to step ashore. This interpretation reflects the blending of history, belief, and oral tradition deeply embedded in Ayutthaya’s cultural landscape.

 

Today, Mae Soi Dok Mak Shrine is no longer merely a small riverside shrine but a major center of devotion for many worshippers, especially Thai people of Chinese descent who affectionately refer to it as “Chao Mae A-Nia Shrine.” Devotees believe the goddess is compassionate and listens to sincere prayers offered with firm faith. This belief keeps the shrine vibrant and meaningful across generations.

 

The most prominent belief associated with Mae Soi Dok Mak Shrine concerns prayers for love and romantic relationships. It is believed that those who pray with sincerity, loyalty, and determination are often granted their wishes. Additionally, people who wish to have children frequently come to seek the goddess’s blessings with strong faith.

 

When wishes are fulfilled, devotees commonly return to express gratitude by offering meaningful items such as silk fabrics, pearls, miniature Chinese junks, or even organizing lion dance performances as offerings to the goddess. These acts of devotion not only signify gratitude but also clearly reflect the strong Chinese cultural roots interwoven into the shrine’s rituals.

 

In terms of tourism, Mae Soi Dok Mak Shrine is considered an important destination for faith-based tourism in Ayutthaya. Visitors to Wat Phanan Choeng often stop to pay their respects at the shrine as part of their journey. Visiting the shrine is not merely about making wishes, but also about learning the intertwined history, beliefs, and peaceful coexistence of Thai and Chinese cultures in Ayutthaya.

 

Getting There Mae Soi Dok Mak Shrine is easily accessible by traveling to Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan. From Ayutthaya Island, visitors can follow the main roads toward Khlong Suan Phlu Subdistrict. Private vehicles can be parked within the temple grounds, while public transportation users may take local taxis or songthaews from Ayutthaya city. Boat travel along the Chao Phraya River is also possible, with direct access via the temple pier.

 

 

A: The shrine is especially known for blessings related to love, romantic relationships, and having children.

 

A: It is located by the riverside within the grounds of Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan in Ayutthaya.

 

A: Yes, visitors of all backgrounds are welcome, provided they behave respectfully and observe appropriate conduct.