REFLECTIVE JOURNAL OF THE TRIP TO AYUTTHAYA

CHAO SAM PHRAYA NATIONAL MUSEUM

The chao sam phraya museum exhibits historical features such as the buddha
sculptures,royal regalia and other artifacts such as; the king’s sword which was
found in the crypt of the main prang at wat ratchaburana,phra nakhon si ayutthaya in
the early 15th century,the swan shaped utensil which was used to hold liquids and
candles,the elephant sculpture which was made due to the great respect for
elephant in the 14th and 15th century,Nowadays we notice that elephants are still
very precious and respected animals in the society,but king’s swords are not really
that much common again.exhibits of teardrop-shaped cases and jewel beetle shaped
cases which was used for holding scented potpourri or lip balm and containing small
objects and pills respectively.the light holders used to holds candles and other
objects,the knifes which were used for cutting materials, some had pointed edges
while others had sharp edges the knives were made of quartz and gold together with
the all the other royal utensils.During that period kings were revered as semi-gods
that's why all their attires were very beautiful the attire and accessories were
referred to as kreung Rancho Provoke which were the regalia and consisted of 15
objects.these regalia were used for special ceremonies such as marriages
coronations and feasts.Bronze tables were used to display all valuable objects in
early ayutthaya.Presently most of these traditions and believes are not so much
followed like the regalia are not more really followed for ceremonies and kings are
not more regarded as semi-gods.Wat Ratchaburana consist of three main buildings
which was constructed by king Borommarachathirat II for his deceased father the
three parts are stupa which is located at the center,Phra viharn luang on the west
and Ubosot in the west.the remains of wat ratchaburana still remains as a historical
site till date will foreigners from all over the world coming to visit it.The miniature
swords with blades similar to that of spear blades,double edged and sloping in the
middle is a weapon of an angel or monarch.Many exhibits of buddha meditating were
also seen which are still very much used in temples and individuals in their homes.
Found in the crypt of the eastern main chedi at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Phra Nakhon
Si Ayutthaya.
Pewter plates painted with pigment powder mixed with binder in 2 dimensional style.
Using few colors-only yellow, brown, red, white, and black colors. Outlined with red
and black colors. Depicting Buddhist disciples wearing a robe, covering the body,
circumambulating clockwise, and holding a lotus flower between two palms pressed
together. The end of the robe hanging from the wrist flows backwards.
It is assumed that the crypt of the prang at Wat Phra Ram enshrines the Buddha's
relics as do other temples in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, in accordance with
the practice of building prang to be a reliquary shrine. However, the relics haven't
been found in that excavation work.Today all these sculptures and items are
exhibited in the chao sam phraya museum for tourist and native thai people to visit
and learn about the history of early ayutthaya and also for future generations.
THE TEMPLES

WAT CHAIWATTHANARAM;
This temple was built by king Prasat Thong of the ayutthaya kingdom.The temple
was built to honor the king’s mother it also served as a royal cremation site for
members of the royal family.It is characterized by the tall prang and surrounded by
stupas.the main prang is at the center and is surrounded by stupas.The stupas are
different sizes which houses the ashes and relics of the royal family.The ubosot is
the hall were monks gather for religious ceremonies and rituals.The temple was
severely damaged during the burmese invasion but efforts are made to restore the
structures it has undergone several restoration projects to maintain its historical
intergrity.today it is open to both foreigners and natives to visit and relive the
moment.

WAT MAHATHAT;
This temple was built by king Borommarachathirat I.It was one of the most important
and influential temples in ayutthaya in the 14th centuries just like the wat
chaiwatthanaram it is made up of a central prang surrounded by chedis the main
prang is about 50 m tall and is recognised as one of the tallest structures in
ayutthaya the chedis also contains the ashes of members of the royal family and
high rank monks.The most famous iconic attraction in this temple is the buddha head
entwined in the roots of a tree.Over time the roots of the trees have grown around it
creating a beautiful sight it is one of the most photographed places in ayutthaya.Like
many other temples this temple was greatly damaged by the burmese invasion and
has undergone many restoration projects to keeps its historical and architectural
reputation.The temple is open to visitors till date to experience its historical ambience
and educate themselves on its history
.
WIHAN PHRA MONGKHON BOPHIT;
This temple was established during the reign of king Borommaracha I.Like the other
temples it was severely damaged by the burmese and was reconstructed.The
mongkhon bophit is known for the massive bronze statue of buddha measuring
about 12.5 meters in height.the statue is sitting in a meditating posture many visitors
and natives come to pay respects and make offerings in this temple.the temple also
has small chapels,prayer halls around it which gives visitors the ambience to
explore.They also have a tradition which include picking a number from a box and
checking what it has instore for you.this temple is open to foreigners and native to
come pray and pay respect to the buddha statue.