Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

This Chapel is located to the south of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. A large bronze seated Buddha image (Phra Mongkhon Bophit) was originally enshrined outside the Grand Palace to the east. It could be dated to the 15th century and was originally intended to stand in the open air. Later, King Songtham commanded it to be transferred to the west, where it is currently enshrined and covered with a Mondop.

Viharn Pra Mongkolborpit is situated on the south of Wat Prasrisanpetch and is where the bronze Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara is situated. This Buddha image has a lap measurement at 9.55 metres and height at 12.45 metres. This is one of the biggest Buddha image in Thailand. It was assumed to be built during the Ayuttaya Era of King Srongtam. The King transferred the location from the east side to the west side which has been the location since then. After that the King ordered to build a dome on top.However, in the era of King Suer, a thunderbolt struck at the tip of the dome which causes damage to the dome. The King ordered to restore the dome and change the roof of the dome to a cathedral and the top of Pra Mongkolborpit was extended during the reign of King Barommakote. During the 2nd fall of Ayuttaya, Viharn Pra Mongkolborpit was ruined by the enemy. After that King Rama 5 ordered to restore this viharn again in the Ayuttaya architectural style. It is a good model of the Buddha image during the end of Ayuttaya reign. Originally, the east side of the viharn is Sanam Luang, which was used for the cremation ceremony of the Kings and the royalties same as the Sanam Luang in Bangkok.Viharn Pramongkolborpit is opened on from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and public holidays. The tourists can visit Wat Prasrisanpetch or visit both temples via riding on elephants from Wang Chang Ayuttaya. Maphttp://www.tourismthailand.org/fileadmin/upload_img/Multimedia/Ebrochure/477/วิหารพระมงคลบพิตร.pdf