Chedi Phra Sri Suriyothai

Chedi Phra Sri Suriyothai consists of a single but elaborately designed bell-shaped chedi. It has been gilded with gold paint from the relic chamber to the top of its spire, which adds to some amazing reflections at sunset. Its base is square with many redented corners, and there is an entrance on the northern side. According to Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, this monument contains the ashes of Queen Suriyothai. Royal Chronicles describe her as a heroic wife who died in battle while trying to save the life of King Chakkraphat. As the story goes, King Chakkraphat and two of his sons were leading an army into battle against Burmese troops. Queen Suriyothai, fearing for her family's safety, secretly dressed as a male soldier and rode an elephant into the fight. While fighting a Burmese general on the back of an elephant, King Chakkraphat's elephant stumbled, which put him at risk to his opponent's blade. Queen Suriyothai heroically charged in front of the enemy's weapon, sacrificing her own life in his place. In her honor, King Chakkraphat had a funeral monument and a preaching hall constructed on the site of her Royal cremation. (*)(+)

Ayutthaya Historical Research