At Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom Province, the stupa reaches about 120.45 meters to the tip of its great crown, equivalent to a 40-story building. Construction took place during King Rama IV’s reign. What surprises many is how ancient craftsmen accomplished this feat without cranes or large machinery. Though clear records have yet to be found, there are intriguing stories about its building. This article from Thairath Online invites you to revisit the construction of Phra Pathom Chedi.
1. The current Phra Pathom Chedi was built as a new structure enveloping the original stupa.
The construction involved building a new stupa over the existing older one. King Rama IV had visited to pay respects during his monkhood. After ascending the throne, he ordered the erection of a large bell-shaped stupa with a broad base tapering toward the top, encasing the original structure.
2. The large-scale construction spanned 17 years.
Construction began in 1853 CE, not relying on a small team of craftsmen. King Rama IV appointed Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Prayurawong as the initial chief supervisor, succeeded by Chao Phraya Thipakornwong Maha Kosathibodi overseeing the project. It required numerous materials and many artisans. The work continued for 17 years until completion of the stupa towering over 120 meters.
3. How bricks were lifted to the upper parts of the Phra Pathom Chedi.
Though no definitive historical evidence explains how materials were moved to the upper stupa, oral traditions suggest craftsmen may have built earthen ramps spiraling around the stupa, allowing elephants or oxen to pull carts carrying bricks and materials to higher levels. However, this remains a hypothesis without confirmed proof.
4. The Phra Pathom Chedi was built during King Rama IV’s reign and King Rama V’s reign.
Many people are confused about when the stupa was completed, as sources vary. The Sirindhorn Anthropology Center states construction finished and was celebrated during King Rama IV’s reign, with golden tiles added under King Rama V. Meanwhile, the Nakhon Pathom Municipality says construction began in 1853 CE and finished in 1870 CE, during King Rama V’s reign.
From an ancient stupa to a “great stupa.” Though some technical construction details have been lost over time, the over 120-meter tall Phra Pathom Chedi stands as tangible evidence of ancient Thai wisdom. Its grandeur reflects exquisite knowledge of brick and mortar craftsmanship and effective large-scale project management without relying on modern technology.