The famous Buddha head became encased in tree roots naturally after the temple was abandoned and the stone statue fell to the ground.
The central prang originally stood over 40 meters tall before its structural collapse.
Archaeologists discovered a reliquary casket in the basement of the central prang containing gold miniatures and a relic of the Buddha.
Many of the Buddha statues currently on-site are missing their heads, a consequence of the 1767 sacking of the city.
The temple layout follows the 'Bayon' style, incorporating a central tower surrounded by smaller stupas and galleries.
The base of the temple reflects layers of construction from different kings throughout the Ayutthaya dynasty.
Wat Mahathat is world-renowned for the Buddha head intertwined within the roots of a Bodhi tree, an iconic image of the Ayutthaya period. Established in the late 14th century, the temple served as the spiritual center of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and housed sacred relics. The site was heavily damaged during the Burmese invasion of 1767, resulting in the decapitation of most Buddha statues. Excavations by the Fine Arts Department in the 1950s revealed a buried crypt containing gold ornaments and votive tablets. The architecture features a central prang built in Khmer style, though it collapsed in the early 20th century. Large sections of the temple remain as ruins characterized by weathered laterite bricks and exposed foundation platforms. It functions as part of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
The famous Buddha head encased in tree roots.
Keep your head lower than the Buddha head when posing for photos to show respect.
Carry plenty of water as the ruins provide very little shade during the afternoon.
Wear sunscreen and a hat, as there is minimal cover in the open areas of the complex.
Do not attempt to touch or lean on the tree roots housing the Buddha head, as this is considered disrespectful and illegal.
Cover shoulders and knees; remove hats and sunglasses when near religious icons; do not climb on or touch the ancient ruins.
