Wat Mae Nang Pluem is not far from Hua Ro Market. Just cross the moat to the north and you will arrive. sookjai holiday is very impressed with Wat Mae Nang Pluem because this ancient temple, which is more than 600 years old, has a truly Ayutthaya atmosphere (you can feel it as soon as you step inside). Whether it's the exterior or interior of the viharn, the Luang Pho Khao Buddha image, or the chedi with surrounding lions in the back, you can feel the atmosphere of the early Ayutthaya period. While other temples may have been renovated until the original atmosphere is no longer there.
The origin of Wat Mae Nang Pluem is not clear who built it. Professor Dr. Sakchai Saising wrote in the book Guide to Ancient Art in Ayutthaya that Wat Mae Nang Pluem was originally named Wat Tha Khlong because it is located near the Elephant Kraal, which is a route for herding wild elephants to rest at the temple first. It is also said that before the fall of Ayutthaya for the second time, the Burmese set up an army in this area. There is Burmese evidence mentioning Wat Nang Pluem as well.
During the reign of Mae Yu Hua (Mae Yua) Sri Sudachan, Khun Chinnarat Phan But Sri Thep or Khun Worawongsathirat, the King of Ayutthaya, went out to catch wild elephants himself until he met his end because he heard news that an important elephant had been found in Lopburi and was being herded to Wat Mae Nang Pluem.
Picture of the main chedi of Wat Mae Nang Pluem from the book A Guide to Ayutthaya Historical Park, Fine Arts Department, published in 2000
Picture of the viharn of Wat Mae Nang Pluem, year unknown, taken from a photograph displayed inside the viharn
The important chedi inside Wat Mae Nang Pluem is called the bell-shaped chedi with a lion base or lions surrounding the base, similar to Wat Thammikarat and Wat Sam Wihan, close to Khmer art. It is assumed to have been built in the early Ayutthaya period, but the patterns that appear on the lions are both early and late Ayutthaya styles. Some experts say that it may have been built before or during the reign of King Prasat Thong.
The viharn where Luang Pho Khao is enshrined is in the late Ayutthaya style and was restored during the Rattanakosin period. The ubosot is more unusual than typical Ayutthaya temples, located diagonally opposite the viharn (in general, the ubosot in Ayutthaya temples is located behind the cloister, facing west). Wat Mae Nang Pluem used to have a cloister as well, but it is no longer visible. However, the rear of the viharn is in line with the cloister.
Although it is a temple built in the early Ayutthaya period, the oral stories around the temple are related to King Naresuan, mentioning Grandma Pluem, an old woman from Ayutthaya who was lucky enough to be supported by King Naresuan. The story is that Grandma Pluem welcomed the king who was rowing a boat alone in the middle of the night when it was raining lightly. Because people in Ayutthaya had never seen the face of the king before, Grandma Pluem told King Naresuan:
"Don't make too much noise, or the king will hear you and scold you."
King Naresuan must have liked what he heard, so he told Grandma Pluem:
"Bring me some liquor to drink, I'm cold from the rain."
Grandma Pluem immediately refused:
"No, today is a holy day. It is forbidden to drink alcohol, it is against the precepts. The king will scold you."
King Naresuan insisted on asking for liquor from Grandma Pluem until Grandma Pluem relented and told King Naresuan:
"Okay, okay, I'll let you drink, but don't tell anyone, or the king will scold you."
King Naresuan ordered that Grandma Pluem be taken care of in the palace for the rest of her life. Even after her death, he ordered the construction of this temple and bestowed the name Wat Mae Nang Pluem. But this story is a tale that has been passed down, there is no more evidence than this.
sookjai holiday takes you to worship sacred Buddha images in Ayutthaya for good fortune this weekend. Use our travel information, accommodation, attractions, and delicious food to your advantage. We guarantee you'll have more fun and find more delicious food than before.
