Phra Pathom Chedi Royal Temple.

An important religious site of Thailand that stands majestically in the heart of Nakhon Pathom city, the 'Phra Pathom Chedi Royal Temple' is a first-class royal temple of the royal monastery type, with a long history in the land of Suvarnabhumi. It is the enshrinement site of the Buddha's relic of Lord Gautama Buddha. The chedi is large, with an inverted bell shape, a vast flaring mouth, constructed with ironwood bound by massive chains, brick and mortar, adorned with overlapping tiles. It has a vihara in all four directions, a two-tiered crystal wall, and is a place of reverence and worship for Buddhists around the world. Phra Pathom Chedi was originally called 'Phra Thom Chedi' and was considered the great relic of the land of Suvarnabhumi. King Mongkut (Rama IV) speculated that this chedi might have been built during the time of the Buddhist missionaries in the reign of Emperor Ashoka, who came to spread the religion to Suvarnabhumi, because the original chedi had an inverted egg shape, similar to the Sanchi Stupa. However, it was found that the top was in the Prang style, which led the King to speculate that some lord might have restored it. Therefore, he bestowed the new name Phra Pathom Chedi, believing it to be the first chedi of Suvarnabhumi. Every year, the temple organizes a festival to worship the Phra Pathom Chedi, from the 12th night of the 12th lunar month to the 5th waning night of the 12th lunar month, lasting a total of 9 days and 9 nights, for the public to come and pay respects for blessings.