Wat Mahathat Worawihan

Wat Mahathat Worawihan (วัดมหาธาตุวรวิหาร) There is a five-topped pagoda constructed in accordance with the Mahayana concept housing Buddha’s relics. The stucco designs decorated on the viharn and the ubosot reflect the skill of local craftsmen 

The Wat Mahathat Worawihan is a Royal temple located in an old, busy district with narrow lanes and wooden shop houses in the old center of Phetchaburi town.

The large complex is surrounded by a wall with several large elaborate entrance gates. The Wat Mahathat Worawihan comprises of five large prangs, a viharn, an ubosot, several chedis, the kuti and several other monastic buildings. Most eye catching are the five white prangs towering above the area, that are visible from much of Phetchaburi town. The temple is also known for its extensive fine stucco work.

It is a busy temple where devotees make merit by burning incense sticks, offering flowers and applying gold leaf on Buddha images. Near the entrance a group of dancers and musicians performs wearing traditional clothing.

History of the Wat Mahathat Worawihan

Although the founding date of the temple is unknown, it is believed that the Wat Mahathat dates back to the late Mon Dvaravati era or the Khmer era. Objects found during excavations suggest the first structures were built between 8 to 10 centuries ago. Today nothing remains of the original structures. The prangs have been rebuild and enlarged many times over the course of the centuries.

The five prangs

At the center of the Wat Mahathat is a large courtyard enclosed by a cloister. At the center of the courtyard stand five massive prangs, known as “Phra Prang Ha Yod”, or five peak prang. The Khmer/Lopburi style towers were constructed during the Sukhothai era.

Surrounded by four smaller ones, the tallest central prang rising over 40 meters enshrines Buddha relics. Enshrined in large niches on all of its four faces are standing golden images of the Buddha. The brick plastered prangs, decorated with fine stucco work are topped with a trishula, a three pointed spear, the weapon of the Hindu God Shiva. Sheltering them is a small multi tiered ceremonial umbrella.

Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phetchaburi_Province

Source https://www.renown-travel.com/temples/wat-mahathat-phetchaburi.html