| ANCIENT WATERTANK |
This landmark is located inside the Ayutthaya Historic Park, just south of Viharn Phra
Mongkhon Bophit. It is slightly hidden by an active market that sells food and Thai
handicrafts.
The single, brick-and-mortar, structure is perfectly square with no windows. On the east
side, a complete Buddha image sits in a position of meditation. This image is framed by
the backdrop of a large bodhi tree, which has grown over a large portion of the water
tank. This structure is sometimes mistaken for a mondop due to the Buddha image;
however, it was build for the exclusive purpose of water storage. It has been renovated
by the Fine Arts Department.
Charnvit Kasetsiri & Michael Wright point out that the Royal Palace had an elaborate
irrigation system - including bronze and terracotta water pipes, plumbing trenches, and
water wheels (p 326-327). Some of the ancient irrigation system, such as water pipes,
can still be seen at Wat Phra Si Sanphet. An ancient pool can also be seen close to
water tank. Records show that a second water tank was once located inside the inner
palace.
Mongkhon Bophit. It is slightly hidden by an active market that sells food and Thai
handicrafts.
The single, brick-and-mortar, structure is perfectly square with no windows. On the east
side, a complete Buddha image sits in a position of meditation. This image is framed by
the backdrop of a large bodhi tree, which has grown over a large portion of the water
tank. This structure is sometimes mistaken for a mondop due to the Buddha image;
however, it was build for the exclusive purpose of water storage. It has been renovated
by the Fine Arts Department.
Charnvit Kasetsiri & Michael Wright point out that the Royal Palace had an elaborate
irrigation system - including bronze and terracotta water pipes, plumbing trenches, and
water wheels (p 326-327). Some of the ancient irrigation system, such as water pipes,
can still be seen at Wat Phra Si Sanphet. An ancient pool can also be seen close to
water tank. Records show that a second water tank was once located inside the inner
palace.
| Text and photographs by Ken May - Aug 2009 |
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