Wat Phra Men in Ayutthaya

Wat Na Phra Men is a significant place to visit. Wat Na Phra Men in Ayutthaya, the name of this temple means the temple in front of the majestic pyre, from time to time called Wat Na Phra Meru is positioned off Ayutthaya City Island, just opposite the formal Grand Palace in the northern area in Tha Wasukri district. Wat Na Phra Men was constructed in 1500s during the reign of King Ramathibodi. It also has been used as a Royal cremation spot. This temple is still very much in its original condition and was not destroyed by the Burmese. In fact the Burmese used the location from which to fire canon into the fortified City. In 1835 to1838 Wat Na Phra Men was repaired at some stage in the reign of Rama III of the Bangkok’s Chakry dynasty.
Attractions at Wat Na Phra Men
The Ordination Hall is a very major attraction. To the front the embossed gable with lacquer and glass mosaic depicts Vishnu mounted on Garuda. Both positioned above the head of the mythological Rahu. All of these are surrounded by some twenty six ‘’angels’’ imprinted in wood. Inside the hall is used to house Main Image of Buddha. The Buddha wears the Royal Attire, typical for the late era of Ayutthaya.
Viharn, the small but wonderfully proportioned Viharn houses a stone Buddha seated in European style, one of the best-preserved statues from the Dvaravati period.

Phra Chedi Sisuriyothai

Phra Chedi Sisuriyothai is a pagoda is situated at the original site of the Rear Palace, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, in the west side of Ayutthaya city. The pagoda was built to Somdet Phra Sisuriyothai, the queen, who was the royal companion of Phra Mahachakkaraphat the King and the first heroine in Thai history. When the Burmese military intruded in 1548, Somdet Phra Suriyothai, dressed in a warrior's costume, intermittent the elephant back combating between the King and Phrachao Prae of Burma and was cut to death. Her death saved Ayutthaya from another assault from the Burmese. With her devotion, King Somdej Phra Mahajakrapat built a chedi (pagoda), called Phra Chedi Sisuriyothai at Sobswan Temple, Hualaem district in Ayutthaya, Thailand.

There is also a commemorative park to her just located outside of Ayutthaya, featuring a large statue of the queen riding a war elephant. Chedi Si Suriyothai consists of a sole bell-shaped chedi. Its bottom is square, and has a lot of cavernous corners. The Chedi has been gilded with gold paint from the relic compartment to the peak of its spire.