Wat Ratchaburana,Treasures from the Temple Crypt

Photogrammetry and Retopology of Wat Ratchaburana, Ayutthaya Historical Park. The Inside of The prang (Main Buiding with Hall Room). When King Intharacha I died his two eldest sons fought each other to be the next King. As both died the King’s third son Prince Sam Phraya ascended the throne. The Prince built Wat Ratchaburana on the spot where his two older brothers were cremated. Two chedis were erected on the spot where the princes died. The temple was largely destroyed and looted during the Burmese invasion of 1767.  In 1957 the crypt of the Wat Ratchaburana was looted and many precious artifacts as votive tablets, golden Royal regalia, gems and Buddha images were stolen. The thieves were caught and some of the treasures were recovered. A year later the Fine Arts Department started excavation and restoration of the temple. Many more priceless objects were discovered that are now exhibited at the nearby Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.