AUSPICIOUS AYUTTHAYA — SACRED SITES IN AYUTTHAYA - July 23 – October 10, 2007

The legendary island city of Ayutthaya in Ayutthaya province (officially known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province) is home to the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site in December 1991.

The ancient capital of the Siamese kingdom for four centuries from 1350 to 1767, in its heydey, all who set their sights on the thriving riverside capital as they sailed upriver to Ayutthaya were captivated by its majestic splendour.

Once upon a time billed as the most glorious city of the Orient, Ayutthaya boasts a rich cultural and artistic legacy. Magnificent temples, historical landmarks, ancient monuments and ruins, archaeological, religious and ancestral sites and shrines dominate its lowland landscape.

Merit-making acts are considered to be a vital part of religious rituals performed to seek blessings on auspicious occasions. As the Thai nation celebrates the auspicious occasion of the 80th birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, the return of Ayuttahaya Mahamonghon (Auspicious Ayutthaya) for the tenth consecutive year is timely.

A special programme jointly developed by Ayutthaya province, the Provincial Administration Office and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Ayuttahaya Mahamongkhon reflects an effort to spark greater public interest in ancient and ancestral sites of historical, cultural and religious significance and encourage pilgrimages to sacred sites and holy shrines during important events in the Buddhist lunar calendar, particularly Visakha Puja and Khao Pansa, which marks the beginning of the Buddhist Lent.

Vesak Day, the holiest day of the year for Buddhists all over the world, falls on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month. It commemorates the birth of Lord Buddha, his enlightenment and passage to Nirvana — freedom from suffering. The three incidents took place on the same day but in different years. This year, Visakha Puja falls on Friday, May 12, and Khao Pansa on July 11.

SACRED SITES IN AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE
Ayuttahaya Mahamongkhon highlights 80 sites of religious significance and cultural and historical interest. According to ancient belief, a pilgrimage to pay homage at nine sacred sites is deemed to be an auspicious merit-making act through which an individual will receive blessings. These include:

Temples on the Island City of Ayutthaya
Wat Klang Klong Sra Bua
Wat Klong Pakkran
Wat Kluai temple
Wat Kasatratirat Voraviharn
Wat Chet Khet temple
Wat Choeng Tha temple
Wat Tuek Wat Toom
Wat Tha Karong
Wat Dhammaram
Wat Thammikarat
Wat Borommawong-israwararam Voraviharn
Wat Bangka-chaWat Pradungsongtham
Wat Phanomyong
Wat Phananchoeng Voraviharn
Wat Phutthaisawan
Wat Phraya Tikaram Viharn Mongkon Borphit
Wat Pichaisongkram Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Wat Phu Khao Tong
Wat Mae Nang Pluem
Wat Ratchapraditstaan
Wat Wongkhong
Wat Si Pho Sala Poon Voraviharn
Wat Sammano Kottharam
Wat Saam Viharn
Wat Suwandararam Rajavoraviharn
Wat Sena-snaram Rajavoraviharn
Wat Na Phra Meru Ratchikaram Voraviharn
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
Wat Intaram

Source http://www.tatnews.org/