Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai Province stands as a central hub of religion and cultural heritage in the ancient city. Located in the heart of the old city according to the Indian cosmological layout, this temple holds great significance both spiritually and architecturally. It comprises a principal chedi, vihara, mandapa, ordination hall, and over 200 smaller chedis, reflecting the devotion and prosperity of the Sukhothai people in the past.

 

The main chedi, featuring the iconic lotus-bud shape, represents the unique style of Sukhothai art. It is set on a shared base with eight surrounding chedis. The corner chedis show influences from Hariphunchai and Lanna art, while the chedis in the middle of each side are Sukhothai-style prangs with decorative stucco influenced by Lankan art. Around the principal chedi are stucco figures of disciples in the Añjali mudra, walking in circumambulation, symbolizing the cosmic beliefs and deep devotion of the city's ancient inhabitants.

 

The main vihara once housed Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha image, Phra Si Sakyamuni, which has since been relocated to the Royal Vihara at Wat Suthat Thepwararam in Bangkok. This statue is in the Mara Vichaya posture, a style widely admired during the Sukhothai period. The platform where it once stood remains at Wat Mahathat, preserving a significant historical trace. The Attharasa Buddha, an 18-sok-high standing image, is enshrined in two mandapas flanking the main chedi, symbolizing devotion and the temple’s past grandeur.

 

The principal chedi stands prominently with its lotus-bud form, showcasing the essence of Sukhothai architecture. Originally, it may have resembled the surrounding eight chedis on the same base, arranged to create balance and harmony in line with Indian cosmological principles. To the east of the main vihara stands a later-high vihara built in the Ayutthaya period, on a 1.5-meter-high brick base, demonstrating architectural evolution over time.

 

In addition, a group of chedis is located to the south of the main stupa, centered around a five-spired chedi—the second largest in the temple. Its lotus-bud form highlights the unique Sukhothai style and illustrates the architectural diversity of chedis during this period.

 

Wat Mahathat is also historically important, mentioned in Sukhothai Inscription No. 1, which states: “In the center of Sukhothai are a vihara, a golden Buddha, Attharasa, a large Buddha, and Ram Buddha.” This confirms that Wat Mahathat served not only as a religious site but also as a cultural and artistic center reflecting Sukhothai’s prosperity.

 

Today, Wat Mahathat is not only a place of worship but also a living museum of Thai art and architecture. Visitors can witness the elegance of Sukhothai architecture, the arrangement of structures according to cosmological beliefs, and historical remnants that reveal over a thousand years of devotion and cultural achievement. Every step within Wat Mahathat offers a journey through time, providing deep insights into Thailand’s rich history and heritage.