Wat Tako

An Instagram worthy visit.

By Grant Cameron

January 19^th, 2023

A Gilded Stupa

On another beautiful morning of exploration in the Ayutthaya countryside I saw the golden spire of the Mahathat Pagoda of Wat Tako in the distance.

It was certainly something that needed closer inspection.

Monastery of the Tiger

This temple is widely known because of the famous monk and Abbot, Luang Pho Ruai, who passed away in 2017 at the magnificent age of 95.

It is also locally known as the Monastery of the Tiger.

The Magnificent Stupa

Best viewed on a lap or desktop than a mobile device.

Phrakhru Sunthonthamwinit, or as he became, Luang Pho Ruai Pasathiko, was first ordained as a novice monk at War Tako in 1937 as a 16 year old. In 1941 he was fully ordained as a monk and overall spent 76 years in the monkhood.

His fame comes from the many amulets and sacred objects blessed by him and which people believe keep them safe and healthy, and help them to obtain wealth and good fortune.

The “ruai” in Luang Pho’s name is the Thai word for “rich”.

On his death the temple disciples preserved his body in a coffin for 100 days, at the end of which, when the coffin was reopened, they discovered that Luang Pho’s body had not decayed. Luang Pho’s remains were then placed in a glass coffin inside the the pagoda to allow people to pay homage.

Construction of the Mahathat Pagoda began in early 2014 and was completed after 6 years.

The pagoda itself has two stories. The second floor is not usually opened to visitors, but on the ground floor can be found the glass coffin which is the home to Luang Pho’s body.

A solitary tank

I am not sure why there is the half size model of a military weapon in the temple. I did ask of some of the temple attendants, and surprisingly, they didn't know either.