Wat Ratchaburana, Phitsanulok
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Wat Ratchaburana(Thai: วัดราชบุรณะ) is a Buddhist temple in
Phitsanulok Phitsanulok ( th, พิษณุโลก, ) is an important, historic city in lower northern Thailand and is the capital of Phitsanulok Province. Phitsanulok is home to Naresuan University and Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University, as well a ...
,
Thailand Thailand ( ), historically known as Siam () and officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia, located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, spanning , with a population of almost 70 million. The country is b ...
.


Geography

Wat Ratchaburana lies in the center of Phitsanulok, on the west bank of the
Nan River The Nan River ( th, แม่น้ำน่าน, , ) is a river in Thailand. It is one of the most important tributaries of the Chao Phraya River. Geography The Nan River originates in the Luang Prabang Range, Nan Province. The province ...
, and to the south of the main temple of the province,
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat ( th, วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุ; "Temple of the Great Jewelled Reliquary"), colloquially referred to as Wat-Phra-Sri ( th, วัดพระศรี) or Wat Yai ( th, วัดใ ...
. Wat Ratchaburana is connected to
Wat Nang Phaya Wat Nang Phaya is a Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand. Geography Wat Nang Phaya is located on the eastern bank of the Nan River. Wat Nang Phaya links to the campus of Wat Ratchaburana. History Wat Nang Phaya is said to have been built w ...
.


History

In 1463, King Boromma Trailokanat (1448-1488) of Ayutthaya moved the capital of his empire to Phitsanulok, and ordered the establishment of new temples, as well as the restoration of existing older ones. Wat Ratchaburana dates back to the beginning of his reign in Phitsanulok. He ordered the construction a chedi and other buildings on the temple's campus. Today, the impressive chedi is nearly all that remains of the original construction. However, other buildings have been constructed among the ruins. At one time, King Mongkut (Rama IV) headed a construction and restoration project of the temple.


Features

The most significant feature is the nearly 600-year-old chedi, dating back to the time of King Trailokanat. The chedi is said to enshrine relics of the Buddha. However, there is no access to the chedi's spire. Wat Ratchaburana has an unusual roof structure. Also, in the nearby shrine, a very nice Sukhothai style Buddha figure is situated amidst red painted columns. In addition, the shrine houses a showroom displaying old coins, bank notes, musical instruments and glass objects. The walls are decorated with artistic frescoes. An old bell tower, Hor Rakhang, as well as a recently constructed shrine with a garden and six swan figures stand beside the monastery. There is also a meeting hall on the campus. Ratchaburana {{Thailand-struct-stub