Wat Matchimawat Songkhla Thailand

"There are 2 buildings located close to each other. One is a museum and the other is Wat Matchimawat Worawihan (Wat Klang) This Wat in Songkhla is a must visit because of it's rich history and the kind lady (employee/caretaker or committee) who was frantically waving to us to visit the temple, opened the closed temple doors, windows and could communicate in a little bit of English which helps tourists like us. She took the trouble to explain the history and meaning of the paintings enthusiastically and sincerely at the best she could. Many thanks to her. Sadhu.

The walls of the temple are adorned with articulate paintings which describe the life of the Buddha and also the Chinese trade influence in Thailand. Spend time to look at the paintings as each painting has story to tell.

On the outside, surprisingly, you will see the carved stone of Chinese deities which we were told were once used as "weights" to add weight and stabilise the ships during their journey in rough seas.

Finally, do not touch the doors and leave your trademark."

YC Lee

"Very beautiful experience and so peaceful despite it was not open for worship. However was able to gain entry into the temple as the monk was so helpful and the video and photos didn't do justice as the windows were all closed . The architecture in the temple was amazing and you get the feeling of wowness when you step foot into it. Can't describe it at all. Must visit. The Wind blowing and bells ringing was something to behold. Museum which showcases ancient 9th century Srivijaya civilization was a wonderful experience and leaves you in awe if you are a history buff. Must take time to visit ."

Pramjit Singh

"The ordination hall (Ubosot) erected by the order of Chao Phraya Vichienkhiri (Boonsang Na Songkhla)), the 5th Songkhla' governor in this family, during the year 2390-2408 B.E. (1847 - 1865 A.D.), the building reflected the Rattanakosin period architectural style, It is a rectangular brick-and-mortar building, facing west. The roof is double gabled with 2 layers with earthenware tiles. The columns of the Palai (veranda) support bird-wing roof with central-style roof finials. The gable is gilded stucco decotated with colored glasses. on the west side depicted God Indra sitting on his Airavata elephant. While on the east side depicted Hindu deity Brahma sitting on the hamsa. Both the front and the back of the hall has two doors each and 7 windows on each side.
Door and window facades are in the shape of traditional Thai crown. The door panels also made of wood and covered with lacquer and gold leaf. The front arch way on the western side of the hall erected a stone sculpture depicted the four keepers of the world (Jatulokapala) in Chinese style, while the front arch way on the eastern side of the hall erected a stone sculpture depicted four military generals from Chinese legend.
Inside the hall seated the marble Buddha image ordered by Chao Phraya Vichienkhiri (Boonsang Na Songkhla) to be carved from China. The face is round with narrow-eyed, reflecting Chinese craftmanship. The garland of rays made by gold. Image is inside the movable throne, like the one of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok but smaller. The ordination hall has painted an open royal ceiling showed wooden tie beam painted. Both of the inside gables are Rahu devouring the moon. The mural paintings painted by royal artisans finished in 2406 B.E. The upper part depicted Lord Buddha life. The top of the wall showing the row of deities (Thep-chum-num). The wall between the southern window and eastern door depicted the history of Lord Buddha as well as the Ten incarnations of the Lord Buddha, whereas the wall between the northern window and western door depicted ,the complete 13 chapters of story of Gautama Buddha as Vessantara. The highlight of these paintings Is the illustration of traditions, cultures, And daily life of both Thai and foreigners who lived in Thailand in the past.
Outside the ordination hall, there are craving stones representing the old folktales of China, carved by Chinese craftsmen as well. Around the ordination hall, there are twin stone boundary sit on a high base carved in 3 layers lotus shape were placed in all eight directions surrounded the ordination hall. The hall is surrounded by a brick-and-mortar parapet decorated with terracotta in an orange flower pattern. There are entrances on the north and the south. On the parapet near door, pillars are adorned with 2 stone Peking dogs facing each other at the top. These parapets also have 8 poles inscribed with Chinese characters, praising the contribution of Phraya Vichienkhiri (Boonsang Na Songkhla), the stability of Songkhla, and the Royal Visit of King Rama IV at Matchimawat Varavihara Temple."

Kullaphut Sene