243. Mai Prachumpol Temple01, 02.
First revision: Jul.31, 2020
Last change: Aug.06, 2021
Search, compiled, rearranged, and examined by Apirak Kanchanakongkha.
Wat Mai Prachompol (Mai Prachumpol Temple) or Mai Chumpol Temple (often called Wat Mai by natives) is located on the East bank of Pa Sak River, at Moo 2 Nakhon Laung District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayudhya Province. According to the legend, this temple was constructed sometime between the middle-late Ayudhya period (A.D.1610-1629). The father of Thai History, HRH Prince Damrong Rajanupab believed that the temple was built in the reign of King Prasart Thong. However, some sources say before it was converted to a temple, the building was initially intended to be a residence of King Song Dham during his boat trip to worship Buddha's footprint at Saraburi province. The temple subsequently underwent restoration during the reign of H.M. King Chulalongkorn, (Rama V) (A.D.1893).
There are several significant architectures within the temple: (1) Main Stupa (Chedi) built-in twelve-indented corners standing on a square platform with 15 meters wide and 25 meters high, (2) An Ordination Hall (Ubosot) renovated on the former base, (3) A Sermon Hall (Vihara) situated Buddha Image in the Style of meditating and subduing the devil, and (4) Mural Paintings on the interior wall of the Vihara show the scenes of the life of Lord Buddha, the meeting of Devas, ascetic, and the pictures of plants and animals, etc.
Mai Prachumpol Temple has registered as a National Ancient Monument with the declaration in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on April 9, 1999.01.
This photo was taken on Jun.26, 2021.
Wat Mai Prachumphon (Mai Prachumpol Temple)'s Mural Paintings
Mural inside Phra Vihara were tempera paintings without foundation on the wall. On the eastern wall behind the main buddha, leaf decorations were entirely painted along with animal motifs. The Buddha sheltered by Naga was depicted at the center. Gathering Devas were presented on the upper northern and southern walls. The Cremation scene of the Buddha was demonstrated in the lower parts, with Chinese decorations between the windows. On the western wall, a scene of Chulamani Chedi and Devas was presented at the center.
The murals date from around the 18th century, during the reign of King Narai the Great.02.
Origin, Terminology, and Decription:
01. adapted from. Sign in front of Vihara, shown the information obtained from The 3rd Regional Office of Fine Arts, Phra Nakhon Si Ayudhya. access date: Jun.26, 2021.
02. adapted from. (Another) Sign in front of Vihara, shown the information obtained from The 3rd Regional Office of Fine Arts, Phra Nakhon Si Ayudhya. access date: Jun.26, 2021.
