Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat

Inside the Viharn Luang of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is a beautiful Naga-shielding Buddha image in the Samadhi posture. The pedestal is 1.5 meters wide and the image is 3 meters tall, carved from sandstone. It was bestowed the name Phra Phutthaloppurarak by the Supreme Patriarch, meaning the Buddha who protects Lopburi. To the south of the Viharn Luang is a small ubosot, with doors and windows entirely in the French style. To the west of the Viharn Luang stands a large prang, constructed from laterite and plastered. It features decorative stucco reliefs depicting Buddha images and the Buddha's life story. The pediment of the prang shows the influence of Mahayana Buddhism, and the archways of the large prang are in Lopburi art style with very beautiful stucco reliefs. It was likely originally built during the Khmer Empire's peak but was repaired during the reigns of King Borommarachathirat II, King Maha Chakraphat, and King Narai. Thus, the decorative patterns are a mixture of various periods. This prang originally housed a large number of Buddha images, most famously the Lopburi-era amulets such as Phra Hu Yan and Phra Ruang, which have been excavated in large quantities.

Additionally, there are smaller prangs located to the northwest. Each corner of the lotus-bud shaped spire is sculpted into a bowing deva figure facing outwards in all directions. The faces are square, with the eyebrows meeting, in the U Thong art style. The headdress is triangular with radiating rays, a very beautiful art form.

Open daily from 07:00 to 17:00.

Admission fees: 10 Baht for Thais, 50 Baht for foreigners. Alternatively, purchase a combined ticket for 30 Baht for Thais and 150 Baht for foreigners, which grants access to San Phra Kan, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Baan Luang Ratchathut (Baan Vichayen), and Phra Nakhon Khraisirarasot (Phra Nakhon Yen).

Inquiries: Fine Arts Department, Office 4, Lopburi, Tel. 0 3641 2510