Wat Phra Mahathat
Wat Phra Mahathat
Nakhon Si Thammarat
Background
The Lord Buddha’s relics in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province are kept at Wat Phra Mahathat. A historical record has it that Thanakuman and Phra Nang Hemmachala had invited the relics to Sai Kae oBeach and ordered the building of a stupa for keeping the relics inside. In 1176, Phra Chao Si Thammasokkarat, who established Nakhon Si Thammarat provincial town. had constructed the new stupa built in the Lankan style at 55.78 meters tall.
Previously it was assumed that no monk resided in the temple. HRH Prince Yugala Dighambara, Prince of Lopburi, the viceroy in charge of the South, invited some monks to look after the temple. During the reign of King Rama VI, he visited Nakhon Si Thammarat and changed the name of the temple from Wat Phra Borommathat to Wat Phra Mahathat.
Belief
It is believed that a worship of the Lord Buddha’s relics will lead to an auspicious life making the person happy and successful. The collectors of the widely known Chatukham Rammathep amulet also come to pay respect to the graven images of Thao Chatukham and Thao Rammathep located in Wihan Phra Song Ma, one of the chapels in the temple complex. Worshiping of those two statues is believed to help light up the darkness in your life and give you good fortune. You should also practice Kammatthana meditation which is regularly taught at the temple to lead you to a successful life.
Activitie
The practice of Kammalthana meditation is a work on spiritual development. It gives you a chance to develop your mind, concentration and wisdom according to the Trisikkha principle. The lesson taught can be applied to your daily life while the person attending the class needs to practice the basic Buddhist principles, Indriya 5 and the 5 strengths including faith, diligence, consciousness, concentration and wisdom. The good practice of all those will lead you to success.
Attractions
Apart from the Lord Buddha’s relics, Wihan Phra Maha Winetsakrom (or commonly known as Wihan Phra Song Ma) with the graven images of Thao Chatukham and Thao Rammathep and Wihan Sam Chom are not to be missed.
How to Get There
Wat Phra Mahathat is located on Ratchadamnoen Road, Sub-district Nai Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Take Highway 401 until you reach the town. Turn onto Ratchadamnoen Road to Nai Mueang Sub-district and keep continuing until you see the temple on your right.