Wat Phra Si Rattana Maha That

The large historical temple complex is situated to the east of Wat Chao Chan on the banks of the Yom River, southeast of Si Satchanalai town. The decorative stucco bearing the Bayon art style of ancient Khmer was found at the main entrance of the temple as well as archaeological evidence excavated here; including foundations of earlier brick structures found beneath two buildings called Vihara Luang and Vihara Phra Song Phi Nong and fragments of roofing tile with designs in Bayon art style, point out clearly that Wat Phra Si Rattana Maha That was initially founded before the Sukhothai period. Some scholars suggest that it was constructed during the times of Pho Khun Si Nao Nam Thom, or around 1237 CE. Important features of the temple include the large laterite tower on a square base with projecting steps and a porch at the front. Inside is a small stupa believed to have housed a Buddha relic. The tower is thought to have been built in Khmer style during the first half of the 13th century. From its size, it was an important temple that was then renovated during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods, giving it more appearance like a Siamese prang. In front is a large vihara constructed from laterite; its upper part has collapsed leaving only the base, columns, and some walls. The walls and entrance gate have stucco decoration which, although executed later by Siamese craftsmen, shows the influence of the earlier Khmer style, in particular the entrance portal being topped with a four-face tower reminiscent of the Bayon. Although the temple was built in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, during the Sukhothai period, this changed to the Theravada school.

References:
1. Guide to Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Parks – Fine Arts Department (1999).
2. Thai-Cambodian Culture: Relationship through arts - Charuwan Phungtian (2000) - Magadh University, Bodhgaya.

Ayutthaya Historical Research