Historic Wat Sam Wihan Temple - 600 Year Old Reclining Buddha - Ayutthaya Thailand 2024

Wat Sam Wihan or the Monastery of the Three Preaching Halls, (also known as Wat Sam Pihan), is an active temple. It is located north of the city island. It is accessible by Khlong Bang Khuat (also known as Pho Sam Ton River or the old Lopburi River). The Maha Chai Fortress stood in front of it.

This monastery has a variety of architecture that survives from the Ayutthaya period. A
rather large bell-shaped chedi is viewable from various points across the city. The monastery's boat-shaped wihan houses a large reclining Buddha image and a variety of artifacts that were excavated at this site over the years.

The reclining Buddha image is advertised as being over 600 years old. A small Late Ayutthaya period chedi lies to the west of this wihan.

The ubosot has also survived. It has a full set of sema stones, two for each pillar. Outer walls are also present. There has been some recent excavations at this site, which reveal ancient foundation layers underneath one of the structures.

The third wihan, that is between the reclining Buddha and the Ordination hall was destroyed due to its poor condition when the buildings were being remodeled. A roof was constructed over the original building footprint and it still houses a large seated Buddha.

The location of this monastery gave it great historical importance. During the White
Elephant War (1563-1564) Burmese King Hongsawadi stationed forces at Wat Sam Wihan and prepared to attack the city from here.

Another story concerns a Mon from Pegu, who lit himself on fire at this temple due to a family dispute. He sat down and smeared oil over his entire body. After the fire charred his body, his mother had it coated with plaster and a gilded statue was made from it. This image was put on an alter at Wat Samana Kottharam.

Just before the fall of Ayutthaya, in 1767, Burmese forces set up a stockade in front of Wat Sam Wihan and used this strategic location to launch an assault on the Maha Chai Fortress. They set up a bridge (with walls to conceal troops from view) to cross the river. They then dug tunnels and filled them with wood that they light on fire. This weakened the fortress walls and enabled Burmese troops to breach the walls to the city. The city collapsed afterward and the new capital was moved to Thonburi.

The temple is small but the history is very interesting. It is worth a short visit if you have the time.

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