File:Ayutthaya Wat Na Phra Men 2.jpg

English: Wat Na Phra Men is located nearby a lotus pond north of the city moat (former Lopburi River) and opposite a former royal palace in PhraNakhon SiAyutthaya. According to a legend, PhraOng In, during the reign of King Ramathibodi II, ordered the construction of the temple on an area once used as a cremation site in 1504, and name it WatPhra Men Rachikaram, commonly known as “Wat Na Phra Men”. The temple is among a few constructions that were not destroyed during the Burmese invasion as this area was used as a Burmese military compound.The ubosot, with pillars inside, still resonates with architecture in Ayutthaya period, and pillars to brace the eaves were added during the reign of King Borommakot. The crafted wooden gable covered with lacquer and gild displays and image of Vishnu riding garuda surrounded by guardian angels. According to an ancient belief, kings are living gods, a descent of Vishnu. The principal Buddha statue in the ubosot was bronze cast created in King Prasat Thong. At the back is also situated a smaller ubosot named “Phra Si Araya Maitreya”. Next to the ubosot is a small wihan called “WihanKiean” built, during the reign of King Rama III, by Phraya Chai Wichit (Peuak), as it features mural paintings depicting Chinese junk trade and stories of the Lord Buddha’s past lives. This wihan also houses a large Buddha statue, in quite unusual seated position, created in Dvaravati period, one of the six found in Thailand. Moved from WatMaha That in Ayutthaya, this statue “Luang Por Khanthararat”was made of dark green limestone. It is believed that this statue was once enshrined in a temple in NakhonPathom province.