Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai
Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai ,the memorial for the first
heroine in Thai history, is located in Ko Muang to the west. Among
various places of interest within the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical
Park, this ancient place is of much importance as a proof of honour
that ancient Thai society gave to Thai women.
Phra Si Suriyothai was the royal consort of Phra Mahachakkraphat.
In 1548, only 7 months after being crowned as king he was challenged
by a Burmese attack under the supervision of Phrachao Tabeng Chaweti
and his warlord, Burengnong. The Burmese army intruded into the
kingdom through the Three Pagoda Pass in Kanchanaburi and came to
set up military camps around the royal compond. During the fighting
on elephant back, Phra Mahachakkaraphat faced danger. Phra Si Suriyothai,
clad in a warrior’s suit, interrupted the fighting with the intention
to provide assistance for her husband. She rode her elephant in
the way of Pharachao Prae, a Burmese commander, and was cut to death
by his sword. After the end of the war, Phra Mahachakkraphat arranged
a funeral and established the cremation site to be a temple named
“Wat Sopsawan”.
In the reign of King Rama V, there was a quest for the historical
sites as mentioned in the Royal Chronical. The exact location of
Wat Sopsawan was identified with a large indented stupa which was
renamed by King Rama VI as Chedi Phra Si Suriyothai.
In 1990, the government assigned the Fine Arts Department and the
National Security Command to restore the chedi, which had deteriorated
over time. Fortunately, on 20 May 1990, some antique objects were
found such as a white rock crystal Buddha image in the posture of
subduing Mara, a chedi replica, and a golden reliquary. These ancient
objects were brought to be under the care of the Chao Sam Phraya
National Museum.
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