Following the Footsteps of Lisa (BLACKPINK) - Wat Na Phra Meru, Ayutthaya

     Wat Na Phra Meru is one of the temples visited by "Lisa of BLACKPINK" dressed in traditional Thai attire, with her friends. Many individuals wish to trace Lisa's journey, and Wat Na Phra Meru, officially known as Wat Na Phra Meru Rachikaram, is an excellent starting point. It is located in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, on the northern edge of the Bua Canal, across from the Grand Palace. This ancient temple, dating back to the Ayutthaya period, was not destroyed by the Burmese. It originally served as a place for royal cremation ceremonies during the reign of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Presently, it still showcases Ayutthaya-style architecture in perfect condition, arguably the best in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.

     The most interesting feature of Wat Na Phra Meru is the Phra Putthanimit, the presiding Buddha image in the temple's main chapel. It depicts the Mara Vichai posture, adorned with royal attire. The face spans about 4.4 meters wide and stands 6 meters tall, crafted with gold leaf overlay. This Buddha image is regarded as the protector of the community and the city. When the Burmese army camped at Wat Na Phra Meru to attack Ayutthaya, they did not damage the temple.

     The temple's main chapel was built in the early Ayutthaya architectural style. The front is carved with teak wood, depicting the image of Vishnu riding Garuda and stepping on the Naga, with two Rahu images on either side, surrounded by 26 deities. Inside the chapel, there are 2 rows of square pillars, each with 8 posts, indicative of the Ayutthaya style. The ceiling is made of carved wood depicting a complex and beautiful star pattern. The chapel's overall shape is like a ship, 16 meters wide and 50 meters long, with no windows but vent holes to allow light and ventilation.

     There are three pagodas covered with sprawling banyan roots, creating an impression of tree pagodas. These are located at the back of the temple's main chapel. They appear in the drawings of Ayutthaya in the book of French explorer Henri Mouhot who visited Thailand during the reign of King Rama V.

     Wat Na Phra Meru is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00 and admission is free for both Thais and foreigners. For more details, please contact via the Facebook page of Wat Na Phra Meru Rachikaram Royal Temple or call at +668 0668 1070.