Wat Sam Wihan

Wat Sam Wihan, or the Monastery of the Three Preaching Halls, is an active temple situated off the city island of Ayutthaya in the Hua Ro Sub-district. The monastery stands near the junction of Khlong Hua Ro and Khlong Mueang, both of which are part of the old riverbed of the Lopburi River. The Maha Chai Fortress stood opposite.

In ancient times, Wat Sam Wihan was called Wat Sam Phihan, and its name was derived from the three viharas in situ constructed on an east-west axis along the old Lopburi River.

Based on the tamnan history, this monastery has existed since 1377 CE and was established during the reign of King Boromracha I (1370-1388 CE). It is constructed in the same period as Wat Mae Nang Plum and the founding of the twin cities Mueang Phrom (Phrom Buri) and Mueang In (In Buri). The story goes that Mom Luang Chi Dam and her two younger brothers, all royal descendants, wanted a place to keep the ashes of their mother and other family members. They decided to divide the work. Mom Luang Chi Dam built the reclining Buddha and its vihara Jao Fa (prince) Khao constructed the Buddha Luang Pho Khao (the white Budha) and its vihara, and Jao Fa Khiao was in charge of Luang Pho Yun (the standing Buddha) and its vihara. The monastery received its boundary stones ten years later, in 1387 CE (inauguration of the ordination hall).

Ayutthaya Historical Research