Wat Si Sawai, Sukhothai Historical Park

 

See Video of Wat Si Sawai at bottom of page. See larger pictures of Wat Si Sawai.

The central and eastern prang at Wat Si Sawai, Sukhothai.

The central and eastern prang at Wat Si Sawai, Sukhothai.

 

Wat Si Sawai is located just a bit south and within walking distance of Wat Mahathat.
Wat catches the eye at Wat Si Sawai are the three Khmer-style prangs. Wat Si Sawai initially started off as a Hindu temple during the Khmer period. Hindu artifacts found at the temple stylistically indicate it was constructed during the 12- or 13th century. Later on, during the Sukhothai Kingdom, Wat Si Sawai became a Theravada Buddhist temple, and assembly halls were added during that time.

The central prang at 15 metres is a bit higher than the two prangs flanking it. Stucco decorations in good condition can still be observed on the eastern (right when coming from the entrance) and the central prang.

Stucco decoration at Wat Si Sawai, Sukhothai.

Stucco decoration at Wat Si Sawai, Sukhothai.

 

Mythical creatures can be seen on pediment frames. They include multi-headed serpents and makaras (reptile-like creature), spewing garlands. When looking about in the middle portion of the central prang, you can see a good present (though blackened) kala, with a demon-like face and no body.
The two most common depictions at Wat Si Sawai are multi-headed serpents and makaras (a reptile-like animal) ; both are spewing garlands.
There are openings at the base of each of the three prangs, but not much is inside to observe.

The three prangs at Wat Si Sawai, Sukhothai, seen from the back

The three prangs at Wat Si Sawai, Sukhothai, seen from the back.