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Ayutthaya Treasure: the Fascinating 'Wat Lokaya Sutha'


“History doesn’t change the past, but likely it changes the future.”

(1) 'The Reclining Buddha of Wat Lokaya Sutha'

Ayutthaya is one of the cities in Thailand that leaves foot prints of the olden days.  It is now an archaeological ruin that contains palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries and statues, which gives out the idea of the city’s past and its fascinating architecture and landscape. Amongst all of the ancient footprints, or so called ‘treasures’ found in Ayutthaya, ‘The Reclining Buddha of Wat Lokaya Sutha’ (or also written as 'Wat Lokayasutharam') is one of the impressive locations to visit. 


(2) Buddha draped in an orange cloth
At 42 metres long and 8 metres high, the striking feature of the temple that includes a giant reclining Buddha image has caught the eye of tourists and other visitors. The statue that is known in Thai as ‘Phra Buddhasaiyart’, depicts the Buddha at the time of his death as he enters Nirvana (or “a state of enlightenment” in Buddhism). Clearly manifested, a lotus is under the statue's head, and the legs and feet that overlap squarely at the end of the body. If payed attention, all of Buddha's toes have equal lengths. This statue is usually draped in a bright orange cloth. Moreover, devotees make offerings to the miniature version of the large Buddha that is located right in front of the giant reclining Buddha statue. Many people covers the miniature with gold leafs. 
(3) Buddha's equal toes
(4) Miniature version of the large Buddha
Wat Lokaya Sutha is located near the North West tip of the historical island, which is nearby other Ayutthaya treasures: the old Royal Palace and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. This temple was destroyed back in 1767 by the Burmese armies during invasion. However, it was then restored in the 1950s. The restoration was also followed by some cosmetic repairs in 2011, when the flood that occurred caused damage to some of other treasures at Ayutthaya Historical Park.

 Overall, the fascinating Wat Lokaya Sutha and other Ayutthaya treasures deserves to be preserved and promoted globally. It symbolises a culture's identity to the world, thus, allowing people to have a broader perspective and understanding (i.e. beliefs, values and aspirations) when building relationships with one another. Preserving culture (in this case, art and architecture aspect) diversely unites us and keeps our integrity as people, because the world gets to be introduced to the nation's identity through physical appearance (e.g. by looking at historical monuments). Thus, ancient foot prints are essential for our current and future generations.
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