Wat Kudi Dao

Wat Kudi Dao or the "Monastery of the Star Dormitory" is a restored ruin with many structures and chedi still in situ. Behind the monastery's main entrance gate is a large sermon hall with its enormous columns still intact. Behind this sermon hall is the principal chedi, constructed in the Sri Lankan style. Recent excavations suggest that Wat Kudi Dao was built on the foundation of earlier buildings that predated the foundations of Ayutthaya. However, Royal Chronicles fail to mention it until King Thai Sa's reign (r.1709-1733). The restorations at Wat Kudi Dao began in 1711 and were completed in 1715. Royal Chronicles report that, when the renovations at Wat Kudi Dao were finished, a seven-day festival was held to celebrate its completion. Holy acts of merit were performed by giving alms and making offerings of worship. King Borommakot, who was crowned in 1733, is closely associated with this temple, since it where he most likely served as a novice monk.

Ayutthaya Historical Research