Discover Wat Kruttaram: The Sacred Temple of Phaya Krut (Garuda) in Ayutthaya - Thailand.

Wat Kruttaram is an important Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand, known for its strong association with the worship of Phaya Krut - Garuda. The temple dates back to the period of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and reflects the religious traditions and artistic influences of that era. Wat Kruttaram was abandoned for a long period in past. However, in recent years the temple has been restored and revived. Today, Wat Kruttaram has become an active religious site once again, attracting many visitors and devotees who come to pray and pay respect, especially to Phaya Krut ~ Garuda. The revival of the temple has helped restore its cultural and spiritual significance within the historic city of Ayutthaya.

Wat Kruttaram is especially famous for its connection to Phaya Krut, the Thai representation of Garuda. Phaya Krut ~ Garuda is a powerful mythical bird-like creature that symbolizes strength, protection, and royal authority in Thai culture. Because of this symbolism, Garuda imagery is widely used in Thailand and is closely linked to the monarchy and national identity. The temple contains prominent statues and images of Phaya Krut ~ Garuda, making it a unique religious site where visitors and devotees pay respect to this legendary figure. These artistic elements highlight the influence of Hindu-Buddhist mythology in Thai religious art and demonstrate how mythological symbols were integrated into temple architecture during the Ayutthaya period. Today, Wat Kruttaram remains a culturally significant site where visitors can learn about the role of Phaya Krut ~ Garuda in Thai mythology and appreciate the historical heritage of Ayutthaya. The temple continues to attract both pilgrims and tourists interested in Thai history, religion, and mythology.

The main prayer hall at Wat Kruttaram is a wooden building that houses sacred religious images. At the front of the hall stands a renowned statue of Phaya Krut ~ Garuda, which attracts many visitors and devotees who come to pray and seek blessings.

Feeling blessed after praying and taking a photo with the sacred Phaya Krut ~ Garuda at Wat Kruttaram. Many Visitors feel blessed after praying and also taking photos with the sacred Phaya Krut ~ Garuda at Wat Kruttaram, a powerful symbol of protection and strength.

This closer view highlights the finest details of the colourful statue of Phaya Krut ~ Garuda at Wat Kruttaram, an impressive symbol of strength, protection, and royal power in Thai culture. This Phaya krut ~ Garuda statue official name is Phaya Krut Song Mahitthanuphap (a powerful Garuda figure) for worship.

The Bell Tower of Wat Kruttaram, with the temple building located behind it. Below have a storage jars mainly for water called "Nang Loeng".

This building is the kuti, the living quarters for monks at Wat Kruttaram, where they reside and carry out their daily monastic activities. Have many antique storage jars at the front kuti building. Wat Kruttaram stood in the center of a community which basic occupation was to mold large storage jars mainly for water called "Nang Loeng" translated as "Large Ladies". After molding, the jars were dried and then fired following open bon fire techniques.

This wooden prayer hall at Wat Kruttaram houses a modest altar where a sacred image of the Phra Buddha is respectfully enshrined, reflecting the temple’s simple and peaceful atmosphere.

This is the temple amulet counter at Wat Kruttaram, where devotees can receive blessed amulets as spiritual protection and good fortune.

Photos showing a batch of sacred amulets consecrated at Wat Kruttaram for devotees and visitors.

A photo taken inside the main prayer hall of Wat Kruttaram, featuring the peaceful and sacred Phra Buddha altar where devotees offer prayers.

A designated seat for a monk to give blessings and sacred chants to visitors at Wat Kruttaram, together with additional photos of amulet batches that were ceremonially consecrated at the temple.

An old Ubosot building can still be seen at Wat Kruttaram, serving as a reminder of the temple’s historical past and its religious significance in Ayutthaya.

A white Chedi stands in front of the old Ubosot at Wat Kruttaram, with rows of small Phra Buddha statues beautifully arranged around the base of the Chedi.

At the entrance of the Ubosot of Wat Kruttaram stand white bronze statues of the Phra Buddha, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere for visitors entering the hall.

The core narrative of Wat Kruttaram centers on “the founding of the temple and its principal Phra Buddha image”. Public accounts say an inscription at the Ubosot records that the temple was established during the reign of Somdet Phra Thinang Suriyasin Amarin (King Ekkathat) around BE2302 and that the principal Phra Buddha image inside the Ubosot was created at the same time. The image is described as a white sandstone Phra Buddha in the Mara-Vijaya posture, with dimensions recorded in the traditional craft-and-commission style of that era. There is also information that the temple received a royal boundary (wisungkhamsima) around BE2306. Together, these details frame Wat Kruttaram as a temple that was formally established not long before the fall of Ayutthaya. After the Second Fall of Ayutthaya, the temple is said to have entered a period of abandonment, before later restoration brought it back as a living temple again.

The feature most visitors remember is the principal Phra Buddha image commonly called Luang Pho Khrut Buddha. The widely told local story says that at one time, thieves cut off and stole the Buddha’s head. When the community learned what had happened, they wanted to repair the image and began searching for a replacement head. By chance, a Buddha head was found that could be fitted perfectly back onto the body. What made the name “Luang Pho Khrut” stick is the explanation that the mouth of the found head had a shape likened to a “garuda beak” (“pak krut”), echoing the temple’s name. When you stand close to the image, the sense of sacredness here doesn’t come only from dramatic storytelling. It also comes from the shared feeling that the community “brought the temple back” after a painful incident and returned what was damaged to a state worthy of worship once more.

Inside the Ubosot at Wat Kruttaram is the sacred space where monks perform ritual ceremonies to bless and consecrate batches of temple amulets for devotees.

A view from the ubosot looking toward the prayer hall and the shrine dedicated to Phaya Krut ~ Garuda at Wat Kruttaram.
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See more amulets by Wat Kruttaram at:  

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Praying To Luang Pho Tan Jai at Wat Phra That Doi Kham: The Famous Wish-Granting Phra Buddha in Chiang Mai - Thailand (Part 2/2).

High above Chiang Mai city, on the peaceful serene hillside of Wat Phra That Doi Kham, sits one of the North’s most beloved sacred images — Luang Pho Tan Jai (หลวงพ่อทันใจ), Chiang Mai’s famous wish-granting Buddha. If you visit the temple, you’ll quickly notice something special. Around one particular Phra Buddha image, there are piles and piles of white jasmine garlands. The air smells sweet. Devotees kneel quietly, hands pressed together, whispering heartfelt prayers. This is the shrine of Luang Pho Tan Jai — the Phra Buddha who is believed to grant wishes swiftly. Known for responding swiftly to devotees’ heartfelt prayers, this sacred image draws locals and travelers alike, who come to make a wish, offer jasmine garlands, and experience a moment of quiet reflection in one of Northern Thailand’s most revered temples.

The Shrine for Kṣitigarbha 地藏菩萨 Dìzàng Púsà (Thailand know as Phra Ksitikhan Phothisat Ti-Jang), is a bodhisattva primarily revered in East Asian Buddhism and usually depicted as a Buddhist monk. Kṣitigarbha is known for his vow to take responsibility for the instruction of all beings in the six worlds between the death of Gautama Buddha and the rise of Maitreya, as well as his vow not to achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied. His hand is holding a khakkhara staff (ringed monk staff).

Walking along the path to the Luang Pho Tan Jai shrine, the sweet fragrance of jasmine fills the air. The altar is adorned with countless jasmine garlands, each one an offering from devotees who have returned to give thanks for wishes granted.

The air is instantly filled with the sweet, heady fragrance of jasmine. The scent mingles with the faint aroma of incense smoke curling from dozens of lit sticks, creating a calm, almost magical atmosphere. The altar is draped with countless white jasmine garlands, piled high as symbols of devotion and gratitude, their delicate petals brushing softly against one another in the breeze. You can hear the soft murmurs of prayers and the gentle rustle of visitors moving reverently along the pathway, while the golden light of the sun glints off the Buddha statue, making it glow warmly. Every sense — sight, smell, sound, even touch — feels immersed in a peaceful ritual of faith and hope.

As you kneel before the statue, hands pressed together, there’s a quiet pause in the world around you. You focus on your wish, whether for health, success, or happiness, feeling a mix of hope and humility. The act itself — a simple moment of intention and devotion — brings a sense of calm and connection, as if your heart is in dialogue with something greater. When the garland is gently placed on the altar, it’s not just an offering; it’s a tangible expression of faith, gratitude, and the trust that your wish is being heard.

A close view of Luang Por Tan Jai, enshrined within the inner chamber, gracefully adorned with fragrant jasmine garlands presented in faith and gratitude by devotees.

Guide to make a wish. Prepare offerings (optional but recommended). Jasmine flower garlands 🌼 (very popular), Incense sticks (3 or 9 sticks), Candles, Lotus flowers and Fruits or sweets.👉 Jasmine garlands are most famous here because many people offer 50 garlands when their wish comes true.

1) Pay respect first (important step). Before asking anything: Light incense and candles. Kneel and facing the Buddha. Put your palms together. Recite “Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa” (3 times). Then tell your full name, Where you come from (country or city), Date of birth (optional but many locals do this)

2) Make your wish (be specific). Speak clearly and honestly. Examples: success in business, exam results, health, family matters.👉 People believe Luang Por Thanjai responds best to clear and reasonable wishes. Avoid harmful or selfish wishes.

3) Promise an offering (if you want). Many devotees promise something if the wish comes true. Common promises: 50 jasmine garlands, Merit making or donation, Helping others. Example: “If my wish succeeds, I will return with jasmine garlands”. Only promise what you can truly do.

4) Finish respectfully. Bow 3 times.

5) When the wish comes true (VERY important). You should return to fulfill your promise. At this temple people usually: Bring jasmine garlands, Offer flowers or donation and thank Luang Por Tan Jai.

Beside the Luang Pho Tan Jai shrine, visitors will find a small wiharn (Buddhist hall) that houses a serene Phra Buddha image, providing a peaceful spot for meditation and reflection. At the front of the wiharn stand several guardian and sacred figures, including Tao Wessuwan, Phra Buddha, and Phra Sivali, each with their own symbolic meaning. Together, these statues create a harmonious space where devotees can pay respect, make merit, and experience the rich spiritual atmosphere of Wat Phra That Doi Kham. Inside the Wiharn, you can also see a Phra Rod Luang statue, one of the oldest and most revered Buddha images in Northern Thailand. Together, these sacred figures create a peaceful spiritual complex where devotees can pray, make offerings, and feel the deep sense of history and devotion that fills Wat Phra That Doi Kham.

Inside the Wiharn venerated main principal Golden Phra Buddha statues and also find small Lanna-style Buddha statues, especially Golden Phra Rod Luang–inspired forms of large ancient sandstone Buddha image covered in gold, representing a significant historical treasure. This ancient Phra Rod Luang–style Buddha images (Lanna period) is connected to early Haripunchai–Lanna Buddhist art. Believed locally to give protection and safe travel. Often placed quietly among other images, not highlighted for tourists.

The wiharn beside the Luang Pho Tan Jai shrine is a stunning example of Northern Thai (Lanna) artistry. Its walls are adorned with intricate Lanna-style mural paintings, depicting sacred Buddhist stories and local spiritual motifs. The wooden doors are beautifully carved with images of Phra Lersi (hermit sages), inviting visitors into a space of reflection and reverence. Even the stair handrails are carefully crafted, shaped like the sinuous bodies of Phayanak naga, adding a sense of mythic protection as devotees ascend to pay respect. Every detail — from the murals to the carvings — reflects centuries of Lanna craftsmanship and devotion, making the wiharn itself a work of sacred art as well as a place for prayer.

Devotees can also apply gold leaf to the sema stones around the shrine, a traditional act of merit-making. As they press the thin sheets of gold onto the stones, they silently offer prayers and make wishes, believing that this gesture helps bring their intentions to fruition while earning spiritual merit.

Shrine of Luang Phor Si (revered Lanna monk figure) housed within the temple grounds as temple guardianship traditions at Wat Phra That Doi Kham.

Banner images commemorating the sacred blessing ceremonies conducted by the revered monks Kruba Phin and Kruba Kritsada at Wat Phra That Doi Kham, where devotees gathered in faith and devotion to receive sacred blessings

More photographs from the merit-making and blessing ceremonies held at Wat Phra That Doi Kham, where devotees gathered with sincere faith to offer merit, prayers, and floral tributes while receiving sacred blessings in a serene and spiritual atmosphere. 

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See more amulets by Wat PhraThat Doi Kham at:  

👉 https://thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/search/label/Wat%20PhraThat%20Doi%20Kham?m=0

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See more information of other temple at:  

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