Sukhothai - Phra Phutta Chinnarat

Phra Phutta Chinnarat

Cast in 1357, Phra Phutta Chinnarat is considered the most graceful Buddha image in Thailand. Housed in Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Woraviharn in Phitsanulok in Northern Thailand, it is also one of the most sacred Buddha images of Thailand, so sacred that it is said to have wept tears of blood when the city was captured by the Ayutthayan army in the early 14th century. The Phra Phutta Chinnarat was casted in the late Sukhothai style and its speciality is its flaming halo, which ends in nagas on either side of the Buddha. It is also interesting to note that four of the Buddha's fingers are of the same length. The gold on Phra Phutta Chinnarat was not present until 1631 when King Ekatotsarot of Ayutthaya offered some of his gold regalia to be beaten into gold sheets to be used to plate the Buddha. Many replicas of this Buddha image had been made and one famous one is housed in Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok.

The Legend of Phra Phutta Chinnarat King Li Thai (King Maha Dhammaraja I) got three artisans from Sukhothai, Sawankhalok and Chiang Saen to cast three high-quality Buddha images for his newly-built temple. The first two castings worked out well but the third casting failed many times. Finally, an old man appeared and created a Buddha image with a flaming halo for them. After that, the old man disappeared just as mysteriously as he had appeared. The king was so impressed that he named the third Buddha image Phra Phutta Chinnarat, meaning "Victorious King" Buddha image. It was the only Buddha image among the three that has the flaming halo. The first Buddha image was named Phra Phutta Chinnasri and the second Buddha image was named Phra Phutta Satsada. Both of them are housed in Wat Bovornives in Bangkok presently.

Interesting Objects Around

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat

Interior of the Viharn Inside the viharn, the Buddha is seated in an imposing spot, lit up by yellow spotlights. Two angels can be seen scattering flowers over the Buddha image in the black backdrop. Statues of Sarriputta and Mogallana The two rows of pillars in front of the Buddha image act to draw the worshipper's eyes towards the Buddha image. The overall decor of the viharn creates an overwhelming impression.

Above: A scene from the Vessantara Jataka is depicted in the murals which adorn the temple walls.

Left: The imposing entrance to the sacred chamber containing the Phra Phutta Chinnarat.

Ayutthayan Prang This 36m high Ayutthayan prang behind the viharn was rebuilt by King Boromtrailokanat. The gilding on the top of the prang is recent. A staircase leads up to the vault in the prang containing the Buddha relics from which the temple takes its name; Mahathat means "Great Relic"

Galleries The galleries around the prang house a collection of Sukhothai, Lanna and Ayutthyan Buddhas in various attitudes and sizes.

Ruined Viharn

In front of the prang is a ruined viharn housing an old standing Buddha, called Phra Attharot. Although it is old, the new coat of paint on it makes it look brand new. The Buddha image is in the attitude of forgiveness. The Thai habit of renovating old Buddha images is due to the fact that damaged Buddha images are a sign of disrespect to the Buddha. Renovating Buddha images also bring merit to them. Thus, most old Buddhas are given a new coat of paint or are replaced with new ones if they are beyond restoration.