Wat Samana Kottharam

Wat Samana Kottharam is located off the city island in the eastern part of Ayutthaya, in an area previously known as Ayothya.

The monastery stood on the west bank of Khlong Ayothya - Kudi Dao. Wat Kudi Dao was north, and Wat Chang was south, opposite the canal.

The site of Wat Samana Kot dates likely to the early Ayutthaya period (1351-1488 CE) or maybe to the pre-Ayutthaya period, as it is part of the old Ayothya.

Wat Samana Kot must have been an important site in the late Ayutthaya period (1629-1767 CE), as it is mentioned in the Description of Ayutthaya (อธิบายแผนที่พระนครศรีอยุธยา - Athibai phaen thi phra nakhon si ayutthaya), a verbal description of the old capital, probably compiled from the memories of survivors after its destruction in 1767 CE, early in the Bangkok era. The Description lists 'Wat Somonkot' as one of the five relic stupas of Ayutthaya and a major place at that time.

Wat Samana Kot consists mainly of an ordination hall and a vihara, both with a stupa, all aligned on an east-west axis. Other monastic structures were added in the south upon the site's re-initiation in the Rattanakosin era. The temple received the Royal Wisungkhamsima in 1910 CE.

Ayutthaya Historical Research