Gplace > Thailand > Saraburi > Phra Phutthabat > Wat Phra Phutthabat

“Wat Phra Phutthabat See Buddha's footprint, Mondop, and Phra Phutthabat National Museum (Viharn Luang)”

This temple is located in Tambon Khun Khlon, 28 kilometres north of the town, turn left 1 km. before arriving in Phra Phutthabat district. The important historical site here is â€œLord Buddhaâ€™s Footprint " that was found on a stone panel near Suwan Banpot Hill or Satchaphanthakhiri Hill. Lord Buddhaâ€™s Footprint measures 21 inches wide, 5 feet long, and 11 inches deep. The footprint was discovered during the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya. The footprint had 108 religious aspects, so he commanded a temporary Mondop be built to cover the footprint and it has been refurbished several times.

The Mondop is a square building, has a seven-tier castle roof and each is roofed with green glazed tiles. Each level is decorated with an arch supported by wood, gold and colored glasses. The external walls are also decorated with gold and coloured glasses in the shapes of mythological gods and lotus top. The pearl inlaid artwork on the Mondop doors represents one of the best craftsmanship in the country. The Mondop entrance has three Naga (mythicalserpents) stairs, each conveying the meaning of silver, gold, and glass stairs that stretch from the heavens. A five-headed Naga cast in bronze flanks the stairs. The Mondop is surrounded by bells, which visitors can rap to make merit. The surrounding ubosot and vihara were built according to the architecture of the Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin periods.

In the temple compound there is the Phra Phutthabat National Museum which displays various precious artifacts including King Songthamâ€™s attire, ceramics, bronzeware, old weapons, a replica of Lord Buddhaâ€™s footprint, an old Mondop top, â€œPhat Yotâ€ (ecclesiastical fans) from various periods, and the pipe dating from the King Narai period. The Phra Phutthabat Festival is held twice a year, during the eighth day of the waxing moon until the first day of the waning moon in the third month and the fourth month of the lunar calendar.

Bo Phran Lang Nuea is a small stone well near the temple. At the mouth of the well are knee prints. There are stone slopes and a deep hole the size of a milk can near the well. The water that flows from the hole is believed to be holy water. According to legend, Bun, a hunter who found Lord Buddhaâ€™s Footprint, washed game meat at this well by kneeling down and the small hole was made from his spear which was stuck into the ground. There is a continuous flow of water from the well.

Admission rate:

Thai people do not pay an admission fee.

Foreigners 30 baht per person.