Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan (Wat Luang Pho Yai) is home to the revered Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, considered the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand. Locals in Phitsanulok often refer to Phra Phuttha Chinnarat as 'Luang Pho Yai,' named after the temple itself, also known as Wat Yai. The temple is located on Phutthabucha Road, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, along the eastern bank of the Nan River. Four significant sites within the temple to pay respects to, aside from Phra Phuttha Chinnarat: 1. Phra Luea: Created under the royal directive of King Lithai, this small Buddha image in the Mara Vichaya posture was cast using leftover bronze from the creation of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, Phra Phuttha Chinnasri, and Phra Si Satsada. It has a lap width of just over one cubit. 2. The Temple Prang: An ancient structure from the Sukhothai period, built to enshrine Buddha relics. Located at the center of the temple, the prang is a lotus-bud-shaped stupa constructed over an older stupa. 3. Phra Wihan Phra Chao Khao Nipphan: Situated south of the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat hall, this vihara houses a symbolic coffin containing the relics of the Lord Buddha. Inside, a golden depiction of the Buddha's passing is worshipped by a figure of Maha Kassapa Thera. 4. Phra Attharot: Located behind the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat hall, this standing Buddha image in the 'Preventing Relatives from Quarreling' posture is 18 cubits (approximately 10 meters) tall. It was created during the same period as Phra Phuttha Chinnarat. Originally housed in a vihara, only a few laterite pillars remain after the vihara's collapse.