Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is full of abandoned temples with many hidden stories. One of the locations that "Sookjai Weekend" wants to take you to explore today is "Wat Takrai," an ancient temple outside the city island to the north (near Wat Na Phra Meru) with a history linked to the great warrior king, King Naresuan the Great. Although today only the ruins of pagodas and quiet viharas remain, this place is full of magic that invites visitors to recall the past in a wonderful way.
An important highlight that has been passed down through legends is that this place was once where King Naresuan the Great performed the "hair cutting" ceremony to bring good luck in warfare or as a merit-making ceremony on important occasions. It is said that he had invulnerability magic, so even cutting his hair was difficult. This belief makes Wat Takrai a place of great spiritual importance. Walking among the old bricks that were once the site of the Thai commander's rituals makes us feel the power and determination hidden in the silence.
In addition to the hair legend, what explorers shouldn't miss is the "Mystery of the Twin Wells," located in front of the ubosot. These two wells were meticulously dug and have unique characteristics, which archaeologists speculate may have been used in sacred rituals or for holy water. The atmosphere around the temple in the evening, with the soft sunlight reflecting off the water in the wells and the shadows of the ancient bricks, creates a mysterious image and is a unique photo spot for slow-life enthusiasts who like to take historical photos.
Wat Takrai is a very suitable destination for those who love to walk around quietly and study historical anecdotes outside of textbooks. This holiday, if you stop by the ancient palace area, don't forget to check in at Wat Takrai. In addition to seeing the beauty of rare Ayutthaya art, you may also feel the historical currents that still flow in every step. I guarantee that this trip will make you "happy" and you will gain a lot of knowledge.
