Wat Sak
| Native Name | วัดซาก, វត្តសាក់ |
|---|---|
| Alternative name | Wat Trak, Wat Sa-ak |
| BA# | T15022 |
| Size | Small |
| Condition | Ruin |
| Type | Temple |
| Location | |
| Commune | Thanon Yai |
| District | Muang Lopburi |
| Province | Lopburi |
| Country | Thailand |
| Coordinates | 14.81976, 100.63553 |
| History | |
| Founded | Late 12th Century |
| Builder | Jayavarman VII |
| Art Style | Bayon |
| Material | Laterite, Sandstone |
| Religion | Buddhist |
| Deity | Buddha |
Wat Sak (วัดซาก - Pronounced: Wot Saak)
Square, laterite structure located on the grounds of the Buddhist monastery Wat Sak in the northern suburbs of Lopburi Town. The construction consists of a solid-looking, laterite base or platform - somewhat reminiscent of San Phra Kan - which is likely to represent the base of a cruciform-shaped, solitary, east-facing tower. Additional brickwork was added during the Ayutthaya period.
The structure features a flight of steps on each side and is surrounded by the lower courses of a brick wall - again a later addition - while several small piles of laterite and sandstone blocks can be seen at various points around the wat grounds. A larger rectangular laterite feature to the east appears to have been constructed from debris at a later date with the material possibly originating from a now disappeared enclosing wall while a ruined brick and laterite structure is also discernable on the south side, partially obscured by a large bo tree.
Note that the site of Jayavarman VII's Lavodayapura arogyasala - the construction of which was confirmed by his son Indravarman II - is yet to be identified. The above-mentioned laterite platform would certainly fit while the large number of laterite blocks to the east, unused during the restoration could correspond to various additional structures. (The vestiges on the south side are hard to see today and may simply represent a section of old wall.) The principal problem is that no overall site layout is discernable so excavations would be required to ascertain whether hidden foundations of other typical features - wall, gopura, library and pond - are present.
Although slightly accentuated from the settlement's central area, Wat Sak is, for now, the best candidate. (1)
(1) The capital itself, Angkor Thom, or Phimai, (Vimayapura), demonstrate that arogyasalas, or hospital chapels, were invariably sited just outside of the main settlement areas.
Map Location
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Nearby Sites
- Ban Bo Kaeo
- Bumibhol Fort
- King Narai National Museum
- Lavodayapura
- Phra Prang Sam Yot
- Prang Khaek
- San Phra Kan
- Sra Sawai
- T15024
- Wat Choeng Tha
- Wat Mahesuan
- Wat Nakhon Kosa
- Wat Nikroth
- Wat Phra Phutthabat (Saraburi)
- Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Lopburi)
- Wat Sak
- Wat Sao Thong Thong
- Wat Tham Khuha Sawan
- Wat Tong Pu
- Wihan Phra Lavorojanarit Luang Pho Hin
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References