Wat
Mahathat Ayutthaya or 'Temple of the Great Relic', erected in the early
period of 1374 and founded in the early 18th century, is one of the
oldest Buddhist temples of Bangkok. During the Ayutthaya period, it was
known as 'Wat Salak'. However, King Rama I renamed it as 'Wat Phra Sri
Sanphechayadaram' and later changed its name to 'Wat Mahathat'. Though
most parts of the temple are in ruins, it forms one of the most
venerated shrines of Bangkok, frequented by Thailand visitors round the
year. Apart from being a revered shrine, Wat Mahathat also serves as the headquarters of Mahanikai sect of Buddhism. Thus, the place forms the nerve centre of Thailand's largest monastic order and is designed as the learning institute for monks belonging to that sect throughout Southeast Asia. Actually, the institute is a brainchild of King Rama V, who inaugurated it to provide education to monks of Mahanikai fraternity, in the same way as Maha Mongkut Ratchawitthayalai was established for monks of Dhammayattika fraternity.
Located near the famous Grand Palace, the sprawling temple compound is home to Vipassana Meditation at Buddhist University, which is the most important center for the study of Buddhism and meditation. Besides, on weekends, numerous amulet stalls set on the temple grounds makes it very popular among tourists interested in collecting traditional charms and talismans. Nevertheless, the most popular draw of the place is 'the face of the Buddha' tucked in the trunk of an old tree.