About Wat Phra Narai Maharat
Wat Phra Narai Maharat Worawihan is a historic Buddhist royal temple in central Nakhon Ratchasima city, on Prajak Road in Nai Mueang Subdistrict. Originally a 11th-12th century Khmer Hindu shrine dedicated to Vishnu, it was later converted to a Theravada Buddhist temple and restored during the Ayutthaya period under King Narai the Great. Notable for its ancient sandstone Vishnu image, Khmer prang and Ayutthaya-style ubosot, it remains an active religious and cultural landmark.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a compact, active temple compound in the city centre with a blend of Khmer and Ayutthaya architecture. The grounds include an ancient Khmer prang, a sandstone Vishnu statue considered sacred, an Ayutthaya-era ubosot and viharn, Buddha images, and shaded courtyards. The setting is urban and tranquil, with areas for merit-making, photography and quiet observation of daily Buddhist practices.
Key highlights
- 01
Ancient sandstone statue of Vishnu (Phra Narai) dating to the Khmer period, highly revered
- 02
Khmer-style prang and laterite remains from the original 11th-12th century Hindu shrine
- 03
Ayutthaya-period ubosot and viharn restored during the reign of King Narai the Great
- 04
Active first-class Royal Temple (Phra Aram Luang) with historic Buddha images and murals
- 05