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Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:30 – 16:30

 

Ayutthaya City Pillar Shrine is one of the most important landmarks in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, both in terms of history, belief, and the spiritual identity of the city. The City Pillar Shrine is not merely a religious or ceremonial structure; it represents the establishment of political authority and the designation of the city’s sacred center according to ancient Siamese beliefs. As Ayutthaya once served as the royal capital for more than 417 years, the City Pillar Shrine stands as the symbolic heart of the city and the starting point for understanding the origins and legacy of this great kingdom.

 

According to the Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya, King Ramathibodi I, also known as King U Thong, founded the Kingdom of Ayutthaya on Friday, the 6th waxing moon of the 5th lunar month in the year 1893 BE. In ancient times, the establishment of a capital city was not merely an act of governance or settlement planning, but a deeply symbolic ritual rooted in cosmological beliefs. Brahmin priests presided over the ceremonies to determine the city’s sacred center in alignment with concepts of the universe, Mount Meru, and the four cardinal directions.

 

One of the most significant rituals in the founding of the city was the establishment of the City Pillar Shrine, regarded as the act of “embedding the heart of the city” into the land. Historical records indicate that this ritual took place beneath a tonman tree, where a right-spiraling conch shell known as a Dakshinavarta Shankha was discovered. This sacred object holds special importance in Brahmin rituals, as a right-spiraling conch is associated with auspiciousness and prosperity. The clockwise movement symbolized by the Dakshinavarta Shankha reflects the belief in progress, good fortune, and the flourishing of the kingdom.

 

It is believed that the original city pillar of Ayutthaya was erected at the same time as the founding of the kingdom. However, during the fall of Ayutthaya in 2310 BE, the original city pillar was lost amid the devastation of the capital. This loss was not only physical but also symbolic, representing the disappearance of Ayutthaya’s spiritual and political center during one of the most tragic periods in its history.

 

In 2525 BE, during the grand celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province initiated the construction of the present Ayutthaya City Pillar Shrine. This project aimed to commemorate the former glory of the ancient capital and to restore auspiciousness and spiritual balance to the city. The current shrine is located near San Phra Kan Shrine and the Ta Liang Kaeng intersection, an area historically associated with the original city pillar based on historical evidence and archaeological findings.

 

Today, the Ayutthaya City Pillar Shrine serves both as a symbolic landmark and a living spiritual space. Many visitors come to pay their respects and pray for stability in life, success in their careers, and harmony within their families. At the same time, the shrine allows visitors to connect Ayutthaya’s past with the present through a place that continues to hold cultural and spiritual significance.

 

Getting There From Bangkok, visitors can travel by car or train to Ayutthaya Island. Once inside the historic city area, head toward San Phra Kan Shrine, where the Ayutthaya City Pillar Shrine is located nearby. It is an ideal stop for worship and historical learning before continuing on to other major historical sites on Ayutthaya Island.

 

 

A: It symbolizes the founding of Ayutthaya and serves as a spiritual center representing stability, prosperity, and the well-being of the city.

 

A: The original city pillar is believed to have been established in 1893 BE alongside the founding of Ayutthaya, while the current shrine was constructed in 2525 BE.

 

A: Yes, visitors are welcome to pay respects during opening hours, and modest attire is recommended.