Since the 13th century, it has hovered as a remembrance to the whole of the Kingdom of Siam and its glorious history, when Siam was the unchallenged ruler that united the Golden Peninsula. Led by the King Naresuan, the Thai army succeeded in their quest for supremacy and brought much pride to the people of the Kingdom.

In the Great Pagoda, the monument of the most highly regarded Buddhist image, Buddha Chaimongkol, speaks of a history of freedom, glory and wisdom in Thailand. It was in the Great Pagoda that the King Naresuan stayed for spiritual contemplation. Until today, he is idolized as a hero and great king by the Thais for his great courage and patriotism.

However, the time came when Ayutthaya was sacked and brought to ruin by a ferocious attack of their eternal enemies, the Burmese. The once Great Pagoda was blackened by smoke, surrounded by red clouds and ruined by debris. The majestic image of Ayutthaya was replaced by the horrific images of war, screams of death and cries of anguish tore throughout Kingdom.

The rivers were dyed red with blood from the many casualties of war. Wat Yai Chaimongkol was no longer a peaceful place for worship; instead it became a fortress under attack, a place of living nightmares that would eventually recede into a ghastly, abandoned temple.

By 19th century, Phraku Pawanarangsi took hold of Wat Yai Chaimongkol and had it restructured to its former grandeur. Though it still holds its war stricken memories of the past, the temple’s enchanting beauty was restored once again, becoming a symbol of the pride of Ancient Siam. The horrible events of the past can never be erased but the promise of the future holds new memories of freedom, peace and beauty for the Kingdom and its people.