Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit

For other uses, see Wat Mahathat.

Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit
วัดมหาธาตุยุวราชรังสฤษฎิ์
Religion
AffiliationBuddhism
SectTheravāda
LeadershipPhra Phromwachirathibodi (abbot)
Location
Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit is located in Bangkok
Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit
Location within Bangkok
Geographic coordinates13°45′18″N 100°29′27″E / 13.75500°N 100.49083°E / 13.75500; 100.49083

Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit (Thai: วัดมหาธาตุยุวราชรังสฤษฎิ์) is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand.[1] It is one of the ten royal temples of the highest class (Thai: พระอารามหลวง ชั้นเอก ชนิดราชวรมหาวิหาร) in Bangkok.[2]

History

Built during the Ayutthaya period (1351–1767), the temple was then known as Wat Salak. Soon after Bangkok was established as the capital of Siam,[3] the temple became strategically situated between the newly built Grand Palace and Front Palace (residence of the vice-king). As a result, the temple was used for royal ceremonies and funerals.

Throughout the past two centuries, the temple has been renovated and elevated in status by many Thai kings and royalties. It became the Wat Mahathat of Bangkok in 1803 and was given its current name in 1996. The temple is also home to Vipassana Meditation centre.[4]

University

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand's oldest higher education institute for Buddhist monks, is on the temple grounds.[1] This is one of the most important universities in Thailand, split into faculty of human sciences, social sciences, an international programme, and a graduate college.[1] The first class was admitted in 1889 and by 1997, both universities became public universities.[1]

Media

  • Phra ubosot
    Phra ubosot
  • Interior of the Phra ubosot
    Interior of the Phra ubosot
  • Phra vihara
    Phra vihara
  • Phra mondop
    Phra mondop
  • Buddha idols along a walkway
    Buddha idols along a walkway
  • Wat Mahathat temple building
    Wat Mahathat temple building
  • Pagoda
    Pagoda
  • Mahachulalongkornrajavi-dyalaya University
    Mahachulalongkornrajavi-dyalaya University
  • Temple roof
    Temple roof
  • Thai PM at the time, Phibul (centre), joining the graduation ceremony of the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya's first class.
    Thai PM at the time, Phibul (centre), joining the graduation ceremony of the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya's first class.

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d Liedtke 2011, p. 58
  2. ^ 23 in Thailand
  3. ^ Spooner 2011, p. 92
  4. ^ Emmons 2008, p. 66

References

  • Liedtke, Marcel (2011), Thailand- The East (English Edition), Norderstedt: Books on Demand GmbH, ISBN 978-3-8423-7029-6
  • Emmons, Ron (2008), Top 10 Bangkok, New York: DK, ISBN 9780756688509
  • Spooner, Andrew; Hana Borrowman; William Baldwin (2011), Footprint Thailand, UK: www.footprintbooks.com, ISBN 978-1-904777-94-6
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