How did the Buddha head become surrounded by tree roots?
A story says that the sandstone Buddha head fell beneath a tree during a war. Its exact path to its current position has not been established; today, the roots surround the face.
Wat Mahathatวัดมหาธาตุ พระนครศรีอยุธยา
Ayutthaya · Ayutthaya temple ruins with a Buddha head and brick remains
At Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya, tree roots wrap around the face of a sandstone Buddha image. The image is the site’s best-known feature, but look beyond it and you will find the remains of a large temple, with headless Buddha images, collapsed brick walls and the bases of halls.
Gold Buddha images, jewellery and other artefacts were found during restoration in 1956. You can see the brick ruins and the sandstone Buddha face among the roots here; to see the excavated objects, visit Chao Sam Phraya National Museum separately.
Location and getting there
The pin marks the place, not necessarily its entrance, ticket office or vehicle drop-off point.
Essential visitor information
- Visiting hours
- 08:00–18:00
- Individual admission information
- 80 baht
What can you see?
A sandstone Buddha face embraced by tree roots
The Buddha head that represents the temple is made of sandstone. With its body and hall gone, tree roots now wrap around the face. Look closely at the roots extending around it, then step back to see the tree and Buddha image together.
A story says that the sandstone Buddha head fell beneath a tree during a war. Exactly how the roots came to surround the face is not known, but the image and the grown tree now remain together as one scene.
Temple ruins with brick walls and headless Buddha images
The temple is said to have once had a golden chedi top, before it fell into ruin after a war. Today, headless Buddha images, hall floors and collapsed walls remain. Though the buildings are no longer intact, you can follow the statue locations and remaining foundations to imagine the scale of the old temple.
After photographing the Buddha head, look at the direction of the brickwork and where the images stand. Even without roofs and walls, the foundations and arrangement of sculptures show traces of a former religious complex. The site may appeal to visitors interested in old architecture and history.
Gold artefacts found beneath the ruins
Gold Buddha images, jewellery and other artefacts were found during restoration in 1956. The excavated objects are listed as being displayed at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Their discovery shows that there was once a space beneath the visible brick ruins where valuable objects were kept.
At Wat Mahathat, explore the temple grounds and architecture; visit Chao Sam Phraya National Museum separately to see the excavated objects. If you plan to visit several ruins, check which sites are included and how long a pass remains valid when you buy it on site. Older prices for a combined pass may differ from the current terms.
Before you visit
A Wat Mahathat ticket and an Ayutthaya ruins pass cover different sites
The individual admission fee for Wat Mahathat is listed as 80 baht. A separate pass for several Ayutthaya ruins has its own list of included sites and validity period. A Wat Mahathat ticket alone does not provide entry to other temples.
What to wear when visiting the temple
Visitors of all genders are advised to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. A sleeved top with long trousers or a skirt that covers the knees is a practical choice. Please visit in respectful clothing rather than a sleeveless top or short bottoms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see the gold objects excavated here?
At the ruins, you can see the Buddha head among the roots and the remains of the brick temple. Gold Buddha images, jewellery and other objects found during restoration in 1956 are listed as being displayed at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
Related places and travel information
Sources checked:
Sharing image credit: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0