The name of this temple has a prefix that is difficult to pronounce, “Yuwarajarangsarit Rajaworamahavihara,” and translates as “great relic.” Only the most important monasteries in Thailand have such a status.
Wat Mahathat is the center of an entire temple complex. Like all especially important sites in former times, it was surrounded by a moat and defensive walls. Built in 1374, it endured destruction, fires, and was reconstructed several times. Many buildings are still in a semi-ruined state even now. Nevertheless, the scale of the complex is impressive: it has one main building for prayers, another one for monastic rituals, 10 additional structures, and two hundred stupas—special structures for storing relics, for example, the remains of monks.
For a long time, an important shrine of Wat Mahathat was a gold Buddha statue known for its miraculous power. However, three centuries ago it was moved to another temple. Today, the hallmark of Wat Mahathat is considered to be the stone Buddha head in the roots of a tree.
Among tourists, this place is especially valued because very high-quality, interesting, and affordable meditation lessons are held here.
