Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat: A Valuable Heritage Site

Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat is located opposite the Lopburi train station. There is no clear evidence of when this temple was built. Upon entering the temple grounds, the first structure you will encounter is the Sala Ploeng Krueng, which was used by the king to change his attire before participating in religious ceremonies in the main hall or the ordination hall. Today, only the leaning columns of the Sala Ploeng Krueng remain. Next to it is the Viharn Luang, a large hall built during the reign of King Narai the Great. The hall features Thai-style square doors and French Gothic-style windows. Inside the Viharn Luang, there is a base for the principal Buddha image of Lopburi, created with the cooperation of the Lopburi province and devoted Buddhists. The main Buddha image in the Viharn Luang is a beautiful sandstone sculpture in the meditation posture, measuring 1.5 meters wide and 3 meters high. It was named Phra Phuttha Lawaburarak by the Supreme Patriarch, meaning the Buddha who protects Lopburi. To the south of the Viharn Luang is a smaller ordination hall with French-style doors and windows. To the west of the Viharn Luang is a large prang (tower), built with laterite and plastered, adorned with stucco decorations depicting Buddha images and Buddhist stories. The gable of the prang shows the influence of Mahayana Buddhism, and the gopura (gateway) of the prang is in the Lavo art style, featuring beautiful stucco designs. Originally built during the Khmer Empire, it was later renovated during the reigns of King Ramesuan, King Maha Chakraphat, and King Narai, resulting in a mix of artistic styles. This prang originally housed many Buddha images, including the famous Lopburi-era amulets such as Phra Hu Yan and Phra Ruang. Many of these have been excavated. Additionally, there is a smaller prang to the northwest, with each corner adorned with sculptures of deities in the U Thong art style, featuring square faces, connected eyebrows, and triangular crowns with radiating halos. The site is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission fees are 10 baht for Thais and 50 baht for foreigners. A combined ticket, which includes access to Phra Prang Sam Yot, Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat, Ban Luang Ratchathut (Ban Wichayen), and Phra Thinang Kraisorn Siharat (Phra Thinang Yen), costs 30 baht for Thais and 150 baht for foreigners.