History
The historical background of the former monastery and its period of construction are unknown. Inhabitants of the area dedicate the former monastery to King Uthumphon (reign 1758 CE).
Prince Uthumphon, although being the youngest son of King Borommakot (reign 1733-1758 CE) and minor Queen Phiphit Montri, was appointed Uparat (or Crown prince) by his father. As William Wood writes, ‘being a clever and educated man, very religious by nature, and greatly beloved by the people. In Siamese history, he is known by the nickname of King Dok Madua (Figflower).’ [1]
Prince Uthumphon succeeded to the throne on the death of his father. Still, as his position on the throne was insecure and his administration was constantly interfered with by his elder brother Suriyamarin (reign 1758-1767 CE), he decided to abdicate in favour of his brother. He retired to Wat Pradu, a monastery he had built. Ex-King Uthumphon was recalled from his temple in 1760 CE to take care of the defences of Ayutthaya. When the Burmese withdrew to Ava, Uthumphon returned to the shelter of his monastery. In 1767 CE, on the fall of Ayutthaya, Ex-King Uthumphon was taken from his temple and led away to Burma, where he died in captivity in 1796 CE (different dates are given, depending on the sources).
The exact reason why this former monastery bears the name of Jao Fa Dok Dua or Prince Fig Flower could not be revealed. Due to its denomination, the locals link it to King Uthumphon, but historically no traces could be found. They also spoke about 'Pho Sua' or 'Father Tiger' - a name indicated on one of the smaller shrines in the area. Whether or not there is a link to King Sua (reign 1703-1709 CE) could not be confirmed. The names Jao Fa Dok Dua and Pho Sua are probably connected to the same person but remain a mystery.
In "Tamnan Krung Kao", we read that along Khlong Ban Bat, behind Wat Phichai and close to Wat Photharam, the brick foundations of a royal pavilion had been found. Phraya Boran Rachathanin (PBR) believed this area was the Palace of Jao Fa Ratsami Sri Suriyawong Phong Kasatri, who probably renovated Wat Phet and renamed the monastery Wat Photharam as she lived nearby. It was here that ex-King Uthumphon found refuge after the Burmese attack on Ayutthaya in 1760 CE. [2]
The old document mentions that ex-King Uthumphon - also known as Khun Luang Ha Wat - left the monkhood to defend Ayutthaya against the attack of the Burmese in 1759-60 CE. He got two nobles arrested and severely punished after they had affairs with some court ladies. One nobleman - Phraya Racha Montri (Pin) - died after three days of the wounds inflicted by the flogging the other nobleman - Jamun Sri Sorarak - was still alive when ex-King Uthumphon returned to Wat Pradu. King Ekhathat (the last King of Ayutthaya and older brother of Uthumphon) got the punishment of Jamun Sri Sorarak reduced, and the latter was later even promoted. King Uthumphon became suspicious, left his monastery, and sought refuge in the Palace of Princess Ratsami, a daughter of King Borommakot.
The location here was thus noted down by Phraya Boran Ratchathanin as the Palace of Jao Fa Ratsami. Still, the locals referred to the place as the Palace of Jao Fa Dok Madua (nickname of ex-King Uthumphon). The Palace of Jao Fa Ratsami is not found on PBR's map drafted in 1926 CE. The reason is not known. PBR only indicated Wat Photharam.
The monastery is mentioned on a Fine Arts Department map drafted in 1993 CE and is in geographical coordinates: 14° 21' 17.98" N, 100° 35' 11.66" E.
Footnotes:
(1) Khlong Ban Bat, or the Canal of the Village of the Monk's Alms-Bowl, is in Ho Rattanachai and Phai Ling sub-districts of Ayutthaya. The waterway links the Pa Sak River with Khlong Kramang in the Phai Ling Sub-district and Khlong Khao Mao in the Hantra Sub-district. Given its rectilinearity and east-west orientation, this canal was man-made.
References:
[1] Wood, William, A.R. (1924). A History of Siam. Chalermnit Press.[2] Phraya Boran Rachathanin (1907). Tamnan Krung Kao. pp 82-3.
