History of Ayutthaya - Temples & Ruins

WAT JAN 2 (วัดจันทร์)

Wat Jan or the Monastery of the Moon (1) is a restored ruin located on the city island
in the Historical Park of Ayutthaya in Pratu Chai Sub-district.

The temple was located on the corner of Talaeng Kaeng road and Khlong Chakrai Yai
(the northern stretch - in the vicinity of the Grand Palace - is
called Khlong Pak Tho). The monastery stood as thus near the Lam Hoei Bridge.

On the opposite side of Khlong Chakrai Yai stood Wat Khok Khamin (defunct),
while on its south was Wat Rak (defunct). The Phra Khan shrine stood in the east.

In situ, only some brick foundations of the monastic structure remains.

The site is mentioned on Phraya Boran Rachathanin's (PBR) map drafted in 1926, but
features also on a map drafted in the mid 19th century.

Wat Jan is positioned here identical as on PBR's map, but stands at the mouth of a canal
running parallel with Talaeng Kaeng road. This canal turns after a few hundred meters
into Khlong Pratu Tha Phra (aka Khlong Klaep). PBR does not mention this canal on his
map; but aerial pictures still show some stretches of water south of the road leading to the
old distillery.

Wat Jan's historical background and period of construction are unknown.

On the PBR map the temple is called "Monastery of the Moon" (วัดจันทร์), while on the
mid-19th century map it is called "Monastery of the Gold Apple" (วัดจัน). (2)

The site is located in geographical coordinates: 14° 21' 3.31" N, 100° 33' 22.75" E.

Footnotes:

(1) The denomination of Phraya Boran Rachathanin has here been followed.
(2) Chan (Diospyros Packmanil - C. B. Clarke). A tall tree which bears yellow fruit.
When ripe the shape of the fruit resembles the moon. Hence its name. The tree was not
usually grown in the house compound, but curiously are to be found in monasteries and
the royal palace compounds. If a person dares to plant such trees in his residential
compound, misfortune will occur sooner or later to the owner. [1]

References:

[1] Some Siamese Superstitions about trees and plants - Phya Anuman Rajadhon - JSS
Vol 49.1 - 1961 - page 59.