Wat Ratchaburana, Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand
Wat Ratchaburana is a Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand, located in the Tha Wasukri district. The complex features a central tower made of laterite and stucco, surrounded by smaller stupas and the remains of a walled monastery compound.
King Borommarachathirat II had the temple built in 1424 at the site where his two brothers were cremated after fighting for the throne. The crypt was later filled with golden treasures and religious objects added during the reigns of several rulers.
The temple's name means "monastery of royal restoration" and recalls the reconciliation after a deadly throne conflict. Visitors can view the preserved wall paintings that show how Buddhist art appeared under different regional influences.
Access to the crypt requires climbing steep stairs inside the main tower, suitable only for visitors comfortable with heights and narrow passages. Many of the objects recovered from the temple are displayed at the Chao Sam Phraya Museum nearby.
In 1957, thieves broke into the crypt and stole numerous golden Buddha figures and jewelry, making national headlines. This incident led to the establishment of strict protection measures for archaeological sites across Thailand.
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