Wat Phra Sriratanamahatarth

Phra Si Ratana Mahatarth Temple or so-called Wat Yai, presently a first class temple under the patronage of the King of Thailand, is one of the most precious temples in Thailand. It is assumed to have been built in the Sukhothai Period, in the reign of King Maha Thamma Raja Li Thai.

The Chinnarat Buddha or Phra Puttha Chinnararth at this temple is regarded as the most beautiful Buddha image in the world. The image was cast in the Sukhothai style with a unique flame like halo around the head, the even four fingers, and the archery like eyebrows. The copied image of Chinnarat Buddha said is as beautiful as the first image. The copied statue is now at Benchamabophit Temple, Bangkok. It is said that King Rama 5th built Benchamabophit Temple and considered Chinnarat Buddha the centerpiece of the temple. However, he was afraid that the people in Phitsanulok province would feel sorrow, so he attempted to cast the second Chinnararth Buddha for Benchamabophit Temple.