Buddha Jinnaraja, Buddhist statue in Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple, Phitsanulok, Thailand
Buddha Jinnaraja is a statue housed in Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand. The image shows the Buddha in the royal Maravijaya posture with the right hand pointing toward the earth and rises over three meters high.
The figure is believed to date from the 14th century during the reign of King Lithai, when the Sukhothai kingdom experienced its golden age. Later kings made several attempts to move it to other cities, but it ultimately remained in Phitsanulok.
The figure carries the title Jinnaraja, meaning victorious king in Sanskrit, which underlines its spiritual importance to worshippers. Visitors often see people praying before the statue and offering incense sticks and lotus flowers.
The temple opens early in the morning and closes in the late afternoon, allowing travelers to see the figure under different lighting conditions. The main hall sits within easy reach in the front section of the temple grounds.
The surface is made of gilded wood rather than metal, which was an unusual choice for a royal figure at the time. Worshippers say the statue glows at night when viewed from certain angles.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
