A significant centre for the study of meditation and Buddhism, the Wat Mahathat Temple is located in Ayutthaya in Thailand. serving as the headquarter of the largest monastic order and Vipassana Meditation centres in Thailand, the temple is a large and sprawling complex housing offices, schools, monastic cells and other buildings.
A symbolic centre that has enshrined Buddha’s relics including the Buddha head within the root system of a tree, the temple presents an array of classes including several in English. In the back of the charming temple is a tranquil garden of palm trees.
One of the most imposing edifices is the temple’s prang, with a height of 46 metres. Scattered throughout the temple are several remains of vividly shaped chedis and prangs, especially the octagonal chedi
Located in proximity to Bangkok’s Grand Palace complex and adjacent to Sanam Luang’s circular-shaped lawn, the temple is mostly noted for its bustling ambiance. The temple provides the ideal opportunity for you to communicate with the monks whilst studying at the Maha Chulalongkorn Buddhist University within the temple. You may also come across some monks who are eager to learn and practice English, presenting a chance for you to try your hand at teaching some English.
The Vipassana Meditation Centre within the temple offers classes where one can practice both standing and sitting meditations. These classes are held daily from 7am to 10 am, 1pm to 4 pm and 6pm to 8pm.
Visitors are required to be dressed in white attire to observe the five basic Buddhist precepts and during the proceedings. A small donation is expected from each visitor willing to take part in the programmes.
The largest amulet market in Bangkok that is held every Sunday is in close proximity to the temple. At this market one is bound to find a wide array of items including charms, religious amulets, traditional medicine and talismans laid out on the ground. Some of these items are believed to ward off evil and bring good luck.
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