Wat Pho - Ayutthaya Historical Park - Temple of the Bodi Tree

WAT PHO (วัดโพธิ์)

Wat Pho or the Monastery of the Bodhi Tree is located off the city island in the northern area of Ayutthaya in Khlong Sra Bua Sub-district.

Access to the monastery was via a canal called Khlong Wat Pho. In earlier times this monastery seems to have been surrounded by a moat, as still traces of it can be seen.

In situ are the restored ruins of an ordination hall, a vihara and four foundations of
satellite chedis, all surrounded by a "Kamphaeng Kaeo" or crystal wall. These structures had their main entrance on the south side as the Buddha images must have faced the Lopburi River. All structures are built in an east-west alignment.

To the west of the monastic sanctuary stands a royal residence (tamnak) mostly used by
high-ranking people when visiting a temple. The building has windows in Arabic style,
divulging Iranian influence. The area is partly surrounded by a moat. In the north of the
site stands a chedi with a double redented dome, indicative of the architecture from the
Late Ayutthaya period (1629-1769 AD).

Bricks still can be found over a large area, so the monastery could have contained many
more structures. The fine arts delartment estimates the site to be approximately 70 acres.

Historical data about the monastery and its construction is unknown.

The site is difficult to access in the rainy season due to flooding.

The temple is not normally visited and a lot of fun to explore. Enjoy the video!

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