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Phra Pathom Chedi, the largest pagoda in Thailand. Phra Pathom Chedi is the official provincial symbol of Nakhon Pathom.
The present Phra Pathom Chedi was built during the
reign of King Rama IV in 1853, under his royal command, the new Chedi
was constructed to cover the former Chedi of which the shape was of an
upside down bell shape with a Prang top. It is assumed that the former
Chedi dates back to the year 539 AD due to the fact that the upside
down bell shaped Chedi has a similar style to the Sanchi Chedi in India
which was built in the reign of King Asoka. The construction of the new
huge Chedi was completed in the reign of King Rama V in 1870 AD. In
all, it took 17 years to build.
The completed Chedi is a circular one that
features an upside down bell shape Chedi (Lankan style). The height
from ground to a top crown is some 120.45 metres, and a total diameter
at the base is 233.50 metres. The sacred Chedi houses Lord Buddhas
relics. During the reign of King Rama VI, Wat Phra Pathom was renovated
and later the temple became the royal temple of King Rama VI. Within
the monastery compound, there are various interesting historical items,
including the Phra Ruang Rodjanarith, an image of
Buddha bestowing pardon, is enshrined in a vihara located to the North
and in front of Phra Pathom Chedi. The casting of this Buddha image was
casted during the reign of King Rama VI: the images head, hand, and
feet were brought from Muang Srisatchanalai, Sukhothai.
Under royal command, a wax sculpture of the
Buddha image was moulded. The casting process was held at Wat Phra
Chettuphon in 1913. Later, the Buddha image was enshrined in the
vihara, located on the north side at the top of a huge staircase. The
King granted the name of Phra Rung Rodjanarith Sri-intharathit
Thammamopas Mahavachiravuth Rachpuchaniyabopitr to this Buddha image.
At its base, the relics of King Rama VI are housed. Additionally, there
are:
Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Museum
The museum is located at a lower level in the east of the church. It
houses artefacts and historical remains which were discovered during
the excavations in Nakhon Pathom including the coffin and funeral
ritual set that were used in Ya-Leis cremation ceremony. Ya-Lei was a
dog very dear to King Rama VI, that was shot and died. The King was
much saddened and commanded to building of a monument for Ya-Lei as a
token of his grief. The museum is open daily from 09.00-16.30 except
Monday and Tuesday.
Then there is the National Museum of Phra Pathom Chedi
This is also worth a visit. The National Museum of Phra Pathom Chedi is
located to the south of the Pathom Chedi compound. It is a 2 storey
modern Thai building that houses artefacts and historical remains, most
of which dates back to Dvaravati period and were found during
excavations in Nakhon Pathom. For more information, contact Phra Pathom
Chedi Treasury and Preservation Office tel: 0 3427 0300, 0 3424 2500,
Fax: 0 3424 2500. The museum is open daily from 09.00-16.00 except
Monday, Tuesday and National Gazette holidays. The admission fee is 30
baht.
 Read our report about visiting Phra Pathom Chedi
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