อ่านภาษาไทย
Travel Ayutthaya, Pay Respect to Luang Pho at Wat Mongkol Bophit, Good for the Heart, Pay Respect to the Most Sacred Buddha Image, 1 of 8 from the Late Ayutthaya Period. I'm not just saying this, there is evidence.
In a document discovered from the Royal Archives called "Testimony of Khun Luang Wat Pradu Songtham" (can be confusing, thinking it's the same book as "Testimony of Khun Luang Hawat"), in the chapter "Concerning Things That Are Principal and Auspicious in the City", Luang Pho Mongkol Bophit is called Phra Phuttha Sayamphuญan Moli, stating that it is a Buddha image in the meditation posture (actually the Subduing Mara posture, Sukhothai style mixed with U Thong), with a lap width of 16 Sok (approximately 8 meters, but currently measured at 9.55 meters), cast in brass (actually a brick and mortar Buddha image, with only the head covered in bronze), located in the Grand Viharn Yod Mondop in Wat Sumongkol Bophit. It is believed that this refers to the large Phra Mongkol Bophit image.
In the late Ayutthaya period, the villagers believed that it was one of the Buddha images with the highest power in Ayutthaya.
Originally, Phra Mongkol Bophit was a seated Buddha image in the open air. The current Viharn was built later. Even today, there is only one large Viharn, without a Ubosot, Chedi, or any other structures, and it is located far from Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
The original shape of the Viharn was probably a Mondop-style Viharn, similar to the Mondop of Phra Phutthabat Saraburi, because it was ordered to be built by King Songtham (the Old Royal Chronicle calls him King Tilokkanat) as well. During his reign, Phra Phutthabat Saraburi was discovered by a hunter. King Songtham liked to visit Phra Phutthabat Saraburi throughout his reign, until later he saw that the nobles and officials were suffering, so he only visited occasionally.
During the reign of King Songtham, there is evidence that he ordered the relocation of Luang Pho Mongkol Bophit from the east to the west, and then had a Mondop built. It is interpreted that it was moved from the east of the Grand Palace to be re-established in the west. Currently, the Viharn of Phra Mongkol Bophit is located south of Wat Phra Si Sanphet (which is a temple within the Grand Palace).
Therefore, it is believed that it was built before the reign of King Songtham.
But some believe that Luang Pho Mongkol Bophit may have been built since the reign of King Ekathotsarot to dedicate merit to King Naresuan, but it was not completed until the end of his reign. It was not until the reign of his son, King Songtham, that the construction of the large Buddha image near the Grand Palace was completed.
King Songtham was an Ayutthaya king who ruled the land peacefully. Throughout his reign, the country was free from war. He was interested in religion and literature, and practiced Metta Barami (loving-kindness). It is said that anyone who committed a serious crime, punishable by death, he would reduce the punishment. Those who received only light punishment were allowed to be exempted from the punishment they received.
When we walk towards the Viharn of Phra Mongkol Bophit, we will find Wat Chi Chiang, where the remains of an ancient site appear on the left, a single Viharn Klaep (small Viharn). It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Chairacha, an Ayutthaya king in the early Ayutthaya period.
Phra Mongkol Bophit in the Reign of King Rama V, Image from the book of Henri Mouhot
During the reign of King Suea, an incredible event occurred when lightning struck the Viharn of Phra Mongkol Bophit. The roof of the Viharn collapsed, and Luang Pho Mongkol Bophit was damaged, with his head broken and fallen to the ground. A similar event occurred again during the reign of King Borommakot.
After the Second Fall of Ayutthaya, the Viharn of Phra Mongkol Bophit was burned and destroyed by the Burmese army. The roof of the Viharn collapsed again. This time, the top of the head and the right arm were broken. It was not until the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) that it was restored. Phraya Boran Ratchathanin was the key person in repairing Luang Pho Mongkol Bophit again.
Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit in 1956, Image from the Picture Book of the Old City, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Before 1957
Viharn Mongkol Bophit is another ancient site that benefited from the project to restore ancient sites throughout Thailand during the time of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram. In particular, the Viharn and Phra Mongkol Bophit received funds from the Burmese government to repair 200,000 baht after the Prime Minister of Burma traveled to pay respects to the ancient sites in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
When traveling in Ayutthaya, don't forget to pay respects to the sacred Buddha image. Before returning, walk around Mongkol Bophit Temple Market, a center for various types of products. You can also find Roti Sai Mai. You can buy snacks, souvenirs, clothes, and everything else.
