Wat Ratchaburana, an ancient site of Mueang Song Khwae, Phitsanulok

💧Wat Ratchaburana is located on the bank of the Nan River, at the foot of Naresuan Bridge, near Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan. In the past, it was adjacent to Wat Nang Phaya. Later, a road was built, causing the temples to be separated on opposite sides of the road. 💧It is assumed that it was built during the Sukhothai period. Later, Phraya Lithai renovated it, so this temple was named "Wat Ratchaburana". Later, during the reign of King Rama IV, it was renovated again. 💧Wat Ratchaburana is over a thousand years old. Inside the temple, there are many interesting ancient sites and artifacts, including: 💧The large pagoda or the royal pagoda is the largest and tallest pagoda in Phitsanulok Province. It can be seen from afar. It is a round pagoda in the Sri Lankan style, set on an octagonal base arranged in layers, with small pagodas surrounding it. 🏚The royal chapel is a brick and mortar building. In front, there are 3 entrances and exits. The architecture is in the style of a hall. There are 9 rooms in Sukhothai art. Inside, there are round laterite pillars. Inside, there is Luang Pho Thongdam, the principal Buddha image. It is a stucco Buddha image, lacquered and gilded, in the Mara-Vijaya posture, Sukhothai art style. The Buddha's appearance is very similar to Phra Buddha Chinnarat, enshrined on a two-tiered pedestal base. The lower level is in the form of a lion's foot, and the upper level is an inverted lotus pedestal. 🏚The ordination hall is made of brick and mortar, Sukhothai art style, with two staircases at the front and two at the back. The roof structure is made of wood and covered with terracotta tiles. The gable is in the old style, which is the Bhagavam gable, similar to the gable of Phra Buddha Chinnarat's temple. The door panels are carved with four-petal flowers, in the style of the Lamduan flower. The special feature is that the eaves are decorated with three-headed naga, which looks graceful and beautiful. The principal Buddha image is Luang Pho Thongsuk, a Buddha image in the Mara-Vijaya posture, lacquered and gilded, enshrined on a brick and mortar pedestal base. Inside the ordination hall, there are murals depicting the Ramayana on the upper level, and the lower level depicting Kamakritha. Never seen in any temple before, painted during the reign of King Rama IV, assumed to be the work of local craftsmen. Around the ordination hall, there are double sema stones, mounted on a lotus base, without arches. 🏚 The sala is where the Buddha's relics are enshrined. 🏚 The Fine Arts Department announced the registration of Wat Ratchaburana as an ancient site on September 27, 1936. 🚗 Wat Ratchaburana: Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Phitsanulok, Phitsanulok Province 🚗 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xRcwnVfL3sPtHJtj8 🚗 Opening - closing hours: 08.00 - 17.00 hrs. #VisitPhitsanulok #Phitsanulok