• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer

Covid-19: Entry rules for Thailand

Thaizer Thailand

Thaizer

Thailand news, tips & advice

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • About
    • Contact
  • Blog
  • Destinations
  • Do’s & Don’ts
  • Events & Festivals
  • Weather

Reclining Buddha, Wat Lokaya Sutha, Ayutthaya

Although Wat Lokaya Sutha (also written as Wat Lokayasutharam) is not one of the most famous historic sites in Ayutthaya, it remains an impressive location to visit. And that is thanks to the temple’s most striking feature, the giant reclining Buddha image. At 42 metres long and 8 metres high, the statue towers over the devotees who come here to make offerings.

Reclining Buddha, Wat Lokaya Sutha, Ayutthaya

Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Lokayasutharam, Ayutthaya

Known in Thai as ‘Phra Buddhasaiyart’, the image depicts the Buddha at the time of his death as he enters Nirvana. The head is resting on a lotus and at the opposite end of the body, the legs and feet overlap squarely. This is the same pose that is used for the slightly bigger Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok. Unlike the statue at Wat Pho, the Buddha image at Wat Lokaya Sutha is now uncovered and exposed to the elements. Major restoration work was completed on the brick and plaster statue in the 1950s. The Department of Fine Arts have also carried out some cosmetic repairs in more recent years, notably in 2011 when the floods of that year caused damage to some of the ancient sites at Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Thai Buddhists visit Wat Lokaya Sutha and Phra Buddhasaiyart to make merit with flowers and incense presented as offerings. On a small altar in front of the statue is a diminutive Buddha image in the same reclining pose. This is covered with tiny squares of gold-leaf which have been placed by devotees making merit.

Although the exact date of construction of Wat Lokaya Sutha isn’t clear, many historians believe it dates back to the early Ayutthaya period in the 14th century. It’s thought that the temple was destroyed when Ayutthaya was invaded by Burmese forces in 1767. The original layout of the temple is now difficult to make out when you visit here. The reclining Buddha image was probably housed in a viharn (assembly hall) with a courtyard behind featuring chedis and a central prang. The red brick prang can still be seen today forming a backdrop to Phra Buddhasaiyart.

Category: Tourist AttractionsTag: Ayutthaya
Powered by 12Go system

About Roy Cavanagh

Roy Cavanagh is a former stand-up comedian who now works as a freelance writer and website designer. Passionate about Thailand and Thai culture, Roy is also the editor of the online magazine, Fan Club Thailand.

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Previous Post: « Thailand king Rama X Coronation of Thai King Scheduled for May 2019
Next Post: Phra Nang Cave, Krabi Phra Nang Cave and Beach (Princess Cave), Railay, Krabi »

Sidebar

About Thaizer

Thank you for your interest in Thaizer. My name is Roy Cavanagh and I’ve been fortunate enough to live in Thailand and travel to every region of the country over a number of years. Thaizer.com is where I share my knowledge and experience with you. Just like any destination, Thailand has its good points and its bad points and I try to offer honest and practical advice.

Read MORE

latest Entry Regulations for Thailand (Updated May, 2022)

From May 2022, the entry requirements for Thailand will become much easier for travellers.

READ More

Where to Go

When to Go

Plan your trip

Copyright © 2022 · Thaizer · Privacy Policy