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Wat Thammikarat in Ayutthaya, Thailand

Wat Thammikarat is one of the lesser visited ruins in the ancient Siam capital of Ayutthaya, Thailand. It is believed that it actually predates the city of Ayutthaya, with parts of it possibly dating back to the 12 century.

Today it is actually a working temple, and several newer buildings have been built around the ruins.

Buddha statue at Wat Thammikarat in Ayutthaya, Thailand

Newer Buddha statues

The main ruins to explore at Wat Thammikarat is a chedi that is surrounded by a large number of lion statues, and the large viharn that still has most of it’s walls and several of it’s large columns still standing.

Another lovely feature is a tree that is growing out of one of the walls of the viharn.

Chedi at Wat Thammikarat in Ayutthaya, Thailand

The chedi surrounded by lion figures

Viharn at at Wat Thammikarat in Ayutthaya, Thailand

View of the Viharn from outside

I was surprised at the huge amount of rooster statues located around the ruins. From what I can tell, people bring them here as offerings, which accounts for the large number of them. Apparently the origin of these rooster statues is based upon a legend about a wager between a prince of Ayutthaya and a prince of Burma in a cock fight. The prince’s rooster won the fight, causing the Burmese prince’s humiliation.

Rooster statues at Wat Thammikarat in Ayutthaya, Thailand

Rooster statues at the front of the Viharn

The interior of the viharn is characterized by it’s tall intact columns. This would have been a spectacular sight at the height of this great city.

Viharn at Wat Thammikarat in Ayutthaya, Thailand

Inside the viharn

Although Wat Thammikarat isn’t as grand as some of the larger, more popular ruins in Ayutthaya, it is definitely still worth checking out.

Have you been to Ayutthaya, Thailand? What was your favourite ruin?