Prosperity on the Strength
UNESCO Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, Town Site |
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is divided into two sites: Town and Aranyik.
Town Site
Town site is the political centre, the palace and religious significance that surrounded by walls, fortress, and moats. The Aranyik is located outside the town walls; about 1 km consists of over 40 temples.
Town site is the political centre, the palace and religious significance that surrounded by walls, fortress, and moats. The Aranyik is located outside the town walls; about 1 km consists of over 40 temples.
The evidence shows the Kamphaeng Phet ancient
town was existed from the Kingdom of Sukhothai until Kingdom of Ayutthaya at a
later time as well. Arts, culture and
beliefs were influenced by the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and on its own.
The most important historical place in town,
Wat Phra Kaew was the premise for royal worship and ceremonies and none of the
residing monks, the same as Wat Phra Si San Phet, Ayutthaya and the Temple of
the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), Bangkok.
On the fact that it was once enshrined the Emerald
Buddha in a period of Ayutthaya. "Wat Pra Kaew" was named by King
Rama VI, Rattanakosin period, when he was the Crown Prince having a trip to
explore this ancient land.
Being home of the most important Buddha in the
country, illustrated the importance of Kamphaeng Phet and political power in
the past. Currently, the Emerald Buddha is located at Wat Phra Kaew, The Grand
Palace in Bangkok.
On
site, there are reclining Buddha and two sitting Buddha
images presided at viharn. Described U-Thong art style (early Ayutthaya)
from the square shaped face, bracket shaped eyebrow and male expression.
The archaeologists believe viharn at Wat Phra
Kaew was decorated with stucco works. On the wall of the viharn, behind the
principle Buddha might be the mural painting illustrated the history of Buddha.
Wat Pra That
There are many temples in Thailand nominated
Wat Maha That or Wat Pra That. The reason is the temples contain the relics of
the Buddha or the relics of the Buddhist saints in the main chedis. They must
be created by the kings. Undoubtedly, these are one of the holy royal temples
of the cities.
Wat Pra That lies to the
south of Wat Phra Kaew. The viharn is surrounded by a gallery. The entrance to
the viharn is the gateway arch and the octagonal bell shaped chedi located at
the back of viharn.
When visit this place, I enjoy wandering
directly to the entrance gate, shooting photo and go straight on to the viharn,
walk pass from front to back, then climb down the building and continue
shooting photo until reach the main chedi. The outcome was the brilliant
pictures as you can see below.
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Direct Line from Front Gate to Back, Wat Phra That |
Sra
Mon
Opposite
Wat Pra Kaew on the right across the street was the palace. At the site, there
is a very little evidence remains today. However, many objects have found and stored
at the museum.
Forts, walls and moats
Kampheng Phet literally means wall made of
diamond. In reality, Kamphaeng Phet has a strong defense; difficult for the
enemy to seize the town. The same as diamond is strong and difficult to have
any tools destroyed it. Someone said our town title is "The Unbreakable Wall".
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the
surrounding walls and stair up to the forts to study the construction of the
fort protected the town efficiently and remained strongly.