Phra Buddha Chinnarat
Among the loveliest Buddha images.
This Photo was taken by Supanut Arunoprayote. Feel free to use any of my images, but please mention me as the author and may send me a message. (สามารถใช้ภาพได้อิสระ แต่กรุณาใส่เครดิตผู้ถ่ายและอาจส่งข — CC BY 4.0 · Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mastertongapollo — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mastertongapollo — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mastertongapollo — CC BY-SA 4.0
The holiest temple of lower northern Thailand, called Wat Yai, the great temple, by locals, on the bank of the Nan river in the heart of Phitsanulok. It holds Phra Buddha Chinnarat, considered by many the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand, cast in gilded bronze in the fourteenth century in Sukhothai style, seated within a golden flame-shaped halo that ends in two serpent heads. The statue sits in a dark, calm wihan supported by black pillars decorated in gold, so it alone glows at the far end as if lit from within. The hall's wooden doors have been inlaid with mother-of-pearl since the eighteenth century. Behind the hall rises a gilded Khmer-style tower and a cloister lined with Buddha images. Copies of this statue are found across Thailand, including the one in Bangkok's Marble Temple. Entry is free and donations are welcome. Modest dress is expected: shoulders and knees covered, and shoes off inside the halls. The hall fills with worshippers on holidays, so move quietly and never stand in front of someone praying. An amulet and food market surrounds the temple. Phitsanulok is five hours by car or an hour by air from Bangkok and an hour from Sukhothai, a natural stop on the way.
Among the loveliest Buddha images.
From the eighteenth century.
In Khmer style.
On the Nan river, central Phitsanulok
For the beauty of its features and its flame-shaped golden halo; many consider it the finest Buddha image in Thailand.