Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, or the 'Great Temple of Auspicious Victory,' is a beautifully restored and fully functional monastery from the historical Ayutthaya period of Siam (Thailand).
The viharn (sermon hall) was built in 1357, but the principal chedi (holy monument, pictured above) wasn't constructed until 1592 to commemorate King Naresuan the Great's battle victory against the invading Burmese crown prince. According to literature of the period, the King slew the prince in single combat atop a war elephant.
After hundreds of years of use, deep grooves are worn into the stone steps of the main chedi.
A precarious ladder snakes up the back of the principal chedi where its specially-fitted traditional yellow cloth is tied.
The walkway surrounding the top of the chedi overlooks the grounds, which include structures in many stages of dilapidation and restoration.
Some structures on the Wat Yai Chaimongkhon grounds are almost 800 years old.
Like the chedis, the complex's buddhas are all respectfully draped with traditional yellow cloths.
The Wat Yai Chaimongkhon complex is a historical gem, which brings a 300-year progression of traditional Thai architecture to life.
by Sarah Bond-Yancey
For more views of incredible Thailand, check out the complete Wat Yai Chaimongkhon album.
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