Page 11 - Ayutthaya Online
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Wat Na Phra Men or the Monastery in Front
of the Funeral Pyre sometimes called Wat Na Phra
Meru is located off the city island in the northern area
of Ayutthaya in Tha Wasukri sub-district. The temple is
located along Khlong Sra Bua and the north bank of
the Khlong Mueang just opposite the ancient Grand
Palace. It was registered as a National Historic Site
with the Fine Arts Department on 25 February 1935.
The temple was constructed during the reign
of King Ramathibodi II (r. 1491-1529), the 10th king of
the Ayutthaya Suphannaphum/Suphanburi dynasty in
1503 and received the name Wat Phra Meru Rachikaram.
Wat Phra Meru occupied
a prominent place in nfront of the
Royal Palace. As its name indicates
it must have been established at
a Royal cremation area.
