On our fourth day exploring South Thailand, we visited Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, the main Buddhist temple of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The present town of Nakhon Si Thammarat is the ancient town of Tambralinga, mentioned in the Pali cannon of Buddhism as one of the prosperous port towns in the Eastern world since the 5th century.
One of the buildings we passed by on the way to the main entrance.
As there was a restoration of the main stupa, the view from the entrance was somewhat tainted. The temple is divided into two parts according to the traditional zoning of the Buddhist temple; the sacred area for religious activities and residential area of the Buddhist monks.
But first, a briefing from our tour guide.
Wat Phra Mahathat is the main Buddhist temple of Nakhon Si Thammarat province in southern Thailand and it is believed to house the tooth of Gautama Buddha. The main highlight of temple is the main stupa, Phra Borommathat Chedi which is translated to the ‘Great Noble Relics Stupa’. It is a symbol for the Theravada Buddhism sect in the province. This main stupa is held sacred by Buddhists, which signifies the transfer of King Asoka stupa tradition from India to Sri Lanka, and the effort of preserving Buddhism by following King Asoka’s footstep.
Wat Pha Mahathat Woramahawihan is so significant that it has been on the UNESCO’s Tentative List since 2012. It represents the Buddhism’s system of belief through its architectural design and planning and preserves its original structure from 13th century CE.
The minor chedis surrounding the main stuppa.
Within the temple complex, there was a shopping area where you can buy religious souvenirs, accessories, rattan baskets and food.
My mother used to have this belt at home many ancient years ago!
A sweet traditional snacks in the making. The northern states of Malaysia have similar snacks, which we call “kuih karas”.
Pretty rattan baskets and they are cheap.
The trip to South Thailand was courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand and ASEAN Ladies Circle.