Wat Chai Watthanaram
was built on the west bank of the river opposite the capital in 1630 in the
reign of King Prasat Thong. The temple was built following the plan of
Angkor Wat, Cambodia. A high platform was raised and used as a foundation of
a tower stupa "Prang".
Wat Chai Watthanaram -- Its constructing pattern was different from other
temples. There will be a huge prang as a center surrounded by smaller ones.
All of these were the most important part of temple called "Phuttavas"
(the domain of temple) located at the front part of temple and "Sunkkavas"
(the domain of monk) located on the back part. Overall were surrounded by 3
rows of brick wall. Its constructing character looked like Sumeru Mount, the
central of universe, influenced by Khmer design.
There is a passage inside the gallery and under the stupas that people can
walk around the main Prang, and there Buddha images seated against the
exterior wall along the passage.
Buddha image in Ordination Hall
The principal Buddha image in the Ordination Hall is seated in meditation
posture. Made of stucco with sandstone core, it is lacquered and gilted. The
head of this statue was recently made on a photograph of its original which
had been stolen long time ago.
The Crowned Buddha image
Images of a Crowned Buddha were widely built in the reign of King
Prasatthong (in about the 17th century A.D.) There are 12 Buddha images in
this style placed in each Meru of the temple. They were all gilded.
Wat Chai Watthanaram at eastern
Prang Noi
The Prang has a long porch atits front. Its plain reflects that of a Prang
of the early. Ayutthaya period, but it architectural characteristies and
decorated stucco designs are the art work of the late Ayutthaya period in
about the late 17th early 18th Century A.D. It's called by the local people
San Chao Mae Wat Dusit.
