Wat Chai Watthanaram, or the 'Monastery of the Victorious and Prosperous Temple,' is a historical temple complex on the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya, Thailand. Built in the mid-1600's, it was previously partially restored and is currently undergoing further, more intensive restoration.The entire center of the temple was closed and inaccessible. I couldn't be too disappointed though; the repairs are much needed.
Wat Chai Watthanaram is one of the most popular tourist sites of Ayutthaya, due to the visible Khmer (Cambodian) influence. The shape of the main prang (Khmer-style stupa) and layout of the small satellite stupas is reminiscent of the famous ancient Cambodian temple, Angkor Wat.
Surrounding the main prang are eight merus (spired roof halls), some of which grant access to the interior courtyard space.
Though dilapidated, many merus' stucco relief panels are still visible.
In some places, crumbling walls expose inner structure and reveal historical building methods.
The surrounding wall is lined with carved buddha statues, most of which are now missing heads, arms and even entire torsos.
Parts of the wall that are in tact feature incredible false windows with geometric designs.
In October 2011 Thailand experienced one of it's most massive floods. One of the only benefits of the disaster, a few lucky photographers were able to capture aerial views of the stunning Wat Chai Watthanaram surrounded by water.
 |
| The Wat Chai Watthanaram complex surrounded by flood waters, Ayutthaya province, Thailand Source: Source: UK Daily Mail Online |
The water adds an incredible new dimension to the Khmer-style architecture and emphasizes the similarities between Wat Chai Watthanaram and Cambodia's Angkor Wat (which is surrounded by a massive mote).
 | ||||||||
| An aerial view of the flooded Wat Chaiwatthanaram central temple, Ayutthaya province, Thailand. Source: UK Daily Mail Online |
Due to Wat Chai Watthanaram's Khmer-style Architecture and Angkor-inspired layout, it is now included along with the rest of Ayutthaya as protected UNESCO World Heritage site. With huge portions of the complex lost to the jungle climate and looters during the 200+ years that it was abandoned, devoted restoration efforts are the only thing that can keep it from crumbling away entirely.
by Sarah Bond-Yancey
For more photos of incredible Thailand, check out the full Wat Chai Watthanaram album.
No comments:
Post a Comment