Wat Phanan Choeng, Buddhist temple near Ayutthaya, Thailand.
Wat Phanan Choeng is a Buddhist temple at the meeting point of two major rivers near Ayutthaya in Thailand. The main hall houses a seated gilded Buddha statue standing 19 meters (62 feet) tall, surrounded by smaller figures and wall paintings.
The temple was built in 1324, nearly three decades before Ayutthaya became the capital. In the early 15th century it received Chinese envoys during their diplomatic journey through the region.
The temple brings together Thai and Chinese worship traditions in its daily practice and devotion. Visitors see incense and offerings at several shrines where people pray for good fortune and protection.
The grounds open daily in the morning and close in the late afternoon, with a small entry fee. Boats from the riverbank bring visitors directly to the compound, or it can be reached by road from the mainland.
Records from the 18th century mention that the large Buddha statue shed tears when enemy troops threatened the city. This account connects the figure to the fate of the region to this day.
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