Although we do not know exactly when Wat Lokayasutharam or the “Temple of the Earth” was built, its massive size and prime location nearby the former Royal Palace suggests that it was an important temple. The main attraction here is the 42 meter long reclining Buddha resting his head on a lotus. The biggest reclining Buddha image in the island city of Ayutthaya was once housed in an image hall that had already collapsed. The Buddha image went through two major restorations; first restoration was sponsored by a local brewery and the Fine Arts Department in 1954; and the second by the family of a former prime minister in 1989.
Thai People come here to pray and ask for blessings. An annual robe offering ceremony is held in April, sometimes during the Songkran festival (water festival).
Fresh coconut drink served here by local vendors is also very refreshing after a long day of sightseeing.
