| WAT MAHA LOK |
Wat Maha Lok or the "Monastery of the Grand World" is still in use by the Buddhist
clergy. The monastery grounds look somehow large and kuti are scattered around.
The temple is located off the city island on the Phaniat peninsula, just east of Wat Sam
Viharn in the northeastern area at Tambon Hua Ro. It lies along the new Lopburi River,
opposite Wat Khae (on Ko Loy) and was strategically positioned at the confluence with
the Pa Sak River in front of the former Maha Chai Fortress.
This temple was mentioned for the first time in the Royal Chronicles in the period around
1548 as being the living place of Nai Chan, the younger brother of the usurper king
Khun Worawongsa (ruled for 42 days in 1548).[1]
The temple was mentioned a second time during the rebellion of Tham Thian in 1696
(Reign of King Phetracha 1688-1703) who tried to attack the City of Ayutthaya from
this location, but was struck by the guns of the Maha Chai Fortress, fell of his elephant
and died. [2]
The exact date of construction of the monastery is unknown.
References:
[1] The Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya - Richard D. Cushman (2006) page 23 / Source:
Phan Canthanumat, British Museum, Reverend Phonnarat, Phra Cakkraphatdiphong &
Royal Autograph.
[2] The Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya - Richard D. Cushman - page 322 / Source:
Phan Canthanumat - Tham Thian Rebellion 1696.
clergy. The monastery grounds look somehow large and kuti are scattered around.
The temple is located off the city island on the Phaniat peninsula, just east of Wat Sam
Viharn in the northeastern area at Tambon Hua Ro. It lies along the new Lopburi River,
opposite Wat Khae (on Ko Loy) and was strategically positioned at the confluence with
the Pa Sak River in front of the former Maha Chai Fortress.
This temple was mentioned for the first time in the Royal Chronicles in the period around
1548 as being the living place of Nai Chan, the younger brother of the usurper king
Khun Worawongsa (ruled for 42 days in 1548).[1]
The temple was mentioned a second time during the rebellion of Tham Thian in 1696
(Reign of King Phetracha 1688-1703) who tried to attack the City of Ayutthaya from
this location, but was struck by the guns of the Maha Chai Fortress, fell of his elephant
and died. [2]
The exact date of construction of the monastery is unknown.
References:
[1] The Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya - Richard D. Cushman (2006) page 23 / Source:
Phan Canthanumat, British Museum, Reverend Phonnarat, Phra Cakkraphatdiphong &
Royal Autograph.
[2] The Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya - Richard D. Cushman - page 322 / Source:
Phan Canthanumat - Tham Thian Rebellion 1696.
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| Text & photographs by Tricky Vandenberg - May 2009 |