Old structures remaining include two redented pillars, about 2.5 m in height at the eastern entrance and two chedis built in the reign of King Rama V to contain the ashes of the abbot of that time and his relatives. The new ordination hall was rebuilt upon the ruins of the old one during the Rattanakosin era. [4]
Behind the ordination hall are the remains of a chedi, a three-meter-high base built in the late Ayutthaya style (1629-1767 CE).
West of it stands the broken main chedi. The square basis supports the main chedi and its four smaller intercardinal satellites. There were no staircases to climb the high platform. The bell-shaped dome rests on an octagonal pedestal. It is estimated that before, the chedi stood at a height of 30 meters. The stucco design of the dome resembles lotus flowers. The monastic structure is usually overgrown with shrubs, while a large crack is starting to split one of its sides. Behind the chedi lies a brick mound, once a vihara, topped with a small Buddha image.
Historians believe, and publications indicate, that this temple was once one of the principal temples of Ayutthaya, referred to as Wat Deun or Wat Doem. Jeremias Van Vliet, a Dutch merchant, wrote in 1638 CE:
“Within the jurisdiction of Judia are the four principal temples of the whole country namely the king’s temple, Wat Syserpudt, the Nappetat, Wat Deun (which temple is devoted to the moon and where the highest school is established), and Thimphiathey.”
There is although at this moment, no valid proof that Wat Deun, mentioned by Van Vliet, was effectively the location of Wat Ayothya. Neither is there any indication that Wat Ayothya was dedicated to the moon nor that there was any ecclesiastic high school situated here before. [5]
It is clear from the ground plan and the aerial view that Wat Ayothya has been a large monastery in earlier times.
The site is in geographical coordinates: 14° 22' 6.07" N, 100° 35' 21.58" E.
Footnotes:
(1) Khlong Ayothya, and in its extension, Khlong Kudi Dao, was an artificial short-cut canal running north-south and dug in a loop of the Pa Sak River, which old riverbed was Khlong Hantra. The canal is defunct today, but some small stretches remain.