Big Buddha in Wat Na Phra Men, Ayutthaya historical park, Thailand. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wat Na Phra Men is one of the very few temples to have escaped destruction by the Burmese. It is not known when the temple was built, existing records showing merely that it was restored under King Boromakot (1732-58) and again during the Early Bangkok period. The bot is a large, imposing building with beautiful wood-carvings on the gable and door panels. The triple-tiered roof and large portico, the latter flanked by two graceful little porches, are fine examples of Thai artistry. Inside the bot two rows of octagonal columns supporting the richly carved ceiling add to the impression of height. Most unusually the large figure of Buddha appears in royal garb.
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