Wat Thammikarat

Wat Thammikarat is distinguished by its bell-shaped chedi, encircled by several lion figures, and graced with multi-headed Naga at its staircases. Other structures include a massive ordination hall and a building for housing a large reclining Buddha image. Large pillars, staircases, and entrance porticos are still intact. There is also a sermon hall housing a beautiful reclining Buddha image. A replica of a giant bronze head is seen in situ. The original dates to the U-Thong period and is now located at Chao Sam Phraya Museum in Ayutthaya. Wat Thammikarat likely pre-dates the founding of Ayutthaya by King U-Thong in 1351 CE. Northern Thai chronicles state that Phraya Thammikarat, son of King Sai Nam Phung, constructed this monastery. The monastery was severely damaged by fire during the Burmese attack in 1767 CE.

Near the east wall of the Grand Palace on the temple grounds of Wat Thammikarat, the old brick remnants of a road could be seen until recently. The Fine Arts Department has now reconstructed the road. The road was once Ayutthaya's main street, starting at the northeastern corner of the Grand Palace near the Jakromhima Gate. The street had a width of 10 meters and was made of brick. The street passed from north to south, Wat Thammikarat, the grounds of Wihan Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Phra Ram, the Phra Kan shrine, Wat Borom Phuttharam, Wat Prasat to finally end at Pratu Chai or the Gate of Victory. The street was used for purposes such as the royal Kathin procession, royal monkhood entries and funeral processions. The street ran approximately where the Si Sanphet road is at present.

Ayutthaya Historical Research