Wat Khunsan (Wat Khun Saen) วัดขุนแสน - Partially Restored Temple - Ayutthaya

WAT KHUN SAEN (วัดขุนแสน)

This deserted temple is located on U-Thong Road, west of the Hua Ror market. Its present day boundary extends right to the base of the road. In fact, one of its chedi stops right before the pavement begins, and motor vehicles actually curve around it.

As a restored ruin, Wat Khun Saen has many of its structures remaining. Its highlight is that It has been expanded over the years, which creates the unique appearance of a small chedi
being consumed by a larger one. The view from the chedi’s western side provides an
idea about how these temples were sometimes expanded over preexisting structures. In situ, there is also the basic foundation of a sermon hall, which includes pieces of Buddha images and some sema stone. Portions of a wall can be seen surrounding the monastery. Traces of several small chedi can also be seen on the premises, including the one located right next to U-Thong Road. There are a number of large and interesting Bodhi tree on site.

There isn’t a clear record of this temple’s construction date, but King Maha
Thammaracha (r. 1569-1590) persuaded two Mon aristocrats and their families to settle
in this area around 1584. This honor was in reward for their participation in Prince Naresuan’s declaration of independence from the Burmese. The two Mon warriors were named Phraya Kiat and Phraya Ram.

Royal Chronicles describe this story in great detail. While still technically allied with the
King Honsawadi of Burma, Prince Naresuan marched his troops to the City of Khraeng,
where they encamped near the monastery of the Great Holy Tera Khan Chong. King
Honsawadi, in the meantime, set up a plan to betray Prince Narasuaen - sending out an
army of 10,000 to ambush and kill him. Phraya Kiat and Phraya Ram were told by the Burmese King Hongsawadi to make a flanking attack from the rear. Their orders were to attack Prince Naresuan, seize his troops, and execute him.

However, the Great Holy Tera Khan Chong was informed of this treachery and took pity on Prince Naresuan. He arranged a meeting between Phraya Kiat, Phraya Ram, and
Prince Naresuan in which all was revealed. As a result, Prince Naresuan declared revenge and announced that the two kingdoms “shall be totally divorced from each other
from this day to the end of kalpa.” He promised to escort the two Mon leaders and the Holy reverent to the safety of Ayutthaya - fighting together against the Burmese along the way.

While leading the Great Holy Thera Khan Chong and his relatives - and the families of
Phraya Kiat and Phraya Ram - back to Ayutthaya, Prince Naresuan defeated the
enraged Burmese in battle and Ayutthaya became independent once again. King Maha
Thammaracha (r. 1569-1590), the father of Prince Naresuan, rewarded the Mon
families in gratitude. Phraya Kiat and Phraya Phra Ram were directed to reside in the
vicinity of the Khamin Village and Wat Khun Saen. The relatives of Tera Khan Chong
were sent to live in a village behind Wat Nok.

In more recent times, King Rama IV (1851-1868) ordered Phraya Rajasongkram to
restore Wat Khun Saen and enlarge its central bell-shaped chedi. However, the King died before this project could be finished. As a result, the restoration of Wat Khun Saen
was permanently halted and the monastery has remained inactive ever since.

The history of this temple and the partial restoration are very interesting. Enjoy the video!

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