Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat

Phra Phuttha Chinnarat,
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Phitsanulok

Background
Phra Phuttha Chinnarat is located in the main wihan of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat.  King Rama IV praised it as one of the three most highly respected Buddha images in Thailand along with Phra Phuttha Chinnasi and Phra Si Satsada.  The Sukhothai-style Phra Phuttha Chinnarats built in the subduing Mara posture and is about 100 inches in width and 140 inches in height.

Historical records say that Phra Phuttha Chinnarat was Cast during the reign of Phra Si Thammapidok (or Phraya Lithai) at the same time as Phra Phuttha Chinnasi and Phra Si Satsada.  The making of the three images was done by local craftsmen from Si Satchanalai and Hariphunchai.  Two images were successfully cast apart from Phra Phuttha Chinnarat that needed to be re-cast three times.  It is believed during the third attempt India came in disguise as a white-robed ascetic to help until its completion in 1357.

Phra Phuttha Chinnasi and Phra Si Satsada were invited to be housed at Wat Bowonniwetwihan.  Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat later made smaller replica images to replace the originals.

Belief
A worshiper paying respect to Phra Phuttha Chinnarat is believed to have a successful life.  There were some obstacles in casting this image, but nevertheless it became the most beautiful image in Thailand.

How to Get There
War Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is located on the eastern side of the Nan River on Phuttha Bucha Road, Nai Mueang Sub-district, Mueang District, Phitsanulok.  Take Highway 12 heading to Wang Thong District.  The temple is on the left after crossing the Borommatrailokkanat Bridge.  For further details, please contact Tel. 0 5525 1649, 0 5525 8966 or at “www.watyai.com”