Chaimongkol Chedi: A monument to the great victory

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🌟 Review of Chedi Chaimongkol: A Monument to the Great Victory at Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Ayutthaya 🌟
Chedi Chaimongkol is an important symbol of Thai history. Built by King Naresuan the Great to celebrate his victory in the Elephant Battle over the Burmese Crown Prince in 1592, Chedi Chaimongkol is now part of Wat Yai Chaimongkol in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Its sacredness and architectural beauty remain intact.

⛩️ History and Significance
Origin: Built in 1592 after King Naresuan's victory in the Elephant Battle at Nong Sarai, Suphan Buri. It was originally built as a memorial to the victory and to express his condolences for the soldiers who failed to follow.

Renovation: Abandoned after the Second Fall of Ayutthaya, it was renovated during the Rattanakosin period.

Architecture:

This bell-shaped chedi sits on a square base, 62.10 meters high (the tallest in Ayutthaya) and 32.40 meters wide on each side.

It contains the Chaimongkol Katha (Pahung Mahaka), a hymn praising the Eightfold Path of Victory of the Buddha.

The base is adorned with rows of Buddha images in the Mara-Vijaya posture and white elephant statues, symbols of royal power.

🙏 Must-See Highlights:

The Chaimongkol Chedi:

You can climb to the top to pay your respects. The middle level features a deep well for tossing coins to make a wish. (believed to bring good fortune)

View from the top: Panoramic views of the temple and Ayutthaya city.

Warning: The stairs are quite steep, so be careful while ascending and descending.

Reclining Buddha (Sleeping Buddha):

A white Buddha image clad in a golden robe, located in an open-air viharn. Offering this robe is believed to enhance metta mahaniyom and evacuation.

Worship mantra: Chant "Yassanupawato Yakkha..." (Tuesday prayer)

Somdej Phra Naresuan the Great Shrine:

Enshrining the statue of the King who poured the water of the sacred water (the declaration of independence). It is popular for prayers for courage and success.

⚠️ Travel Tips
Best Time:

Morning (8:00 AM–10:00 AM): Beautiful light, fewer crowds, ideal for photography.

Avoid rainy days: The pagoda area can be slippery.

Admission fee: 20 baht (free for seniors 60 and over).

Things to do:

Light incense, candles, and apply gold leaf. Phra Buddha Chinnarat in front of the ordination hall

Offer a blanket to the reclining Buddha and write your name on it for good fortune.

Souvenirs: Shops around the temple sell taro dumplings in coconut milk and traditional Thai desserts.

🚗 Directions and More Information
Location: Khlong Suan Phlu Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District (near the Wat Sampluem Chedi)

Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Getting There:

Private Car: From Bangkok, take Asia Road (Highway 32), approximately 70 km.

Public Transportation: Take a motorbike taxi from Ayutthaya Railway Station or rent a tuk-tuk around the city island.

💎 Summary: Chedi Chai Mongkol is not only a beautiful historical site, but also a "center of the spirit of victory," connecting the past and present through faith. If you visit Ayutthaya, don't miss paying your respects to receive auspicious power and witness the grandeur of Thai history!