Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai Province

Wat Mahathat is located in the center of the city. It is the most important temple and is considered the royal temple of Sukhothai. Inside the temple, there are many ancient sites, including the main chedi, the viharn, the pavilion, the ordination hall (church), and as many as 200 smaller chedis. Wat Mahathat is located in the center of the city. It is the most important temple and is considered the royal temple of Sukhothai. Inside the temple, there are many ancient sites, including the main chedi, the viharn, the pavilion, the ordination hall (church), and as many as 200 smaller chedis. The main chedi of the temple is shaped like a lotus bud, which is a unique chedi style of Sukhothai art. Surrounding the main chedi are 8 subsidiary chedis: The chedis on the four sides are Sukhothai-style castle-shaped chedis, influenced by Khmer art and have stucco patterns influenced by Sri Lankan art. The chedis on the four corners are five-tiered castle-shaped chedis. Influenced by the art of Pagan-Hariphunchai-Lanna, around the main pagoda are stucco sculptures of disciples in the reclining position walking clockwise around the great chedi.