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ArchitectureWat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram
The Ubosot of Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram is a masonry traditional building with wooden and glazed terra-cotta tiled roof. It has a roof composed of two superimposed tiers, and the pediments are decorated with a wooden gable bearing a gilded figure of Narayana on a Garuda decorated with glass mosaics. The roof is also adorned with traditional Thai roof finials, and the redented roof-supporting columns are gilded and decorated with glass mosaics. The capitals of the columns are decorated with pointed, superimposed lotus petals. Also, the roof eave is supported by brackets. The exterior wall of the Ubosot is gilded and decorated with a colored glass mosaics in lotus bud motifs.In the Ubosot, the Emerald Buddha is housed on a grand multi-tiered pedestal in front of which are several important Buddha Images, i.e. Phra Putthayotfachulalok, Phra Putthaloetla, Phra Samphutthaphanni, etc. Mural paintings displayed on the interior wall depict Tribhumi, Buddha’s life story, the royal parade, and the royal barge procession. Other significant buildings of the temple are as follows: in the north of the Ubosot, Phra Sriratana Chedi is erected on a tiered supporting base. The bell-shaped Chedi replicates the original Chedi at Wat Phrasisanphet in Ayutthaya Province. The Chedi is fully ornamented with golden tiles. Next to the Chedi, is Phra Mondop where Tipiṭaka or the Buddhist scriptures are kept. The building with a square plan has a multi-tiered conical roof with a spire on top. Its doors feature pearl-inlaid work. Dvarapala Yakṣa sculptures stand in front of the building, and the step entrance are flanked by figures of Nāgas with human’s face. In the same area, the Royal Pantheon, a four-porched building with a multi-tiered roof and a stupa on top, is situated. The four pediments are decorated with royal emblems of King Rama I to King Rama IV. The window panels are adorned with royal emblems of King Rama I to King Rama V. The Royal Pantheon houses statues of the previous kings of the Rattanakosin Era.
ArchitectureThe main chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The three round chedis stand on the same Phai Thi base, all of which are parted by mandapas. These buildings had been restored by the Fine Arts Deparment. These chedis, from top to bottom, comprise the plain square base, triple rings moulding, lotus base of the dome, a bell-shaped dome, a pillar or the shaft of a spire (symbolizing multi-tiered umbrella or chatra), multi-tiered spire, top spire and a sphere finial. Moreover, a unique characteristic of Wat Phra Si Sanphet is porticoes projecting from all four cardinal directions with a decoration with small or miniature chedi on their roofs ridge.
ArchitectureViharn Phra Si Sanphet
Viharn Phra Si Sanphet was erected in front of the main chedis and oriented toward the east. The ruins of viharn stands on a rectangular plan. All of its superstructure had completely collapsed. However, some parts of the walls that still stand exhibit vertical narrow outlets in place of regular windows. The outer surface of the side walls were attached with columns supporting the roof. The pedestal of Phra Si Sanphet and other minor Buddha images was installed inside. The interior of the viharn also features rows of columns as a supporting element.
