Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat is a ruined Buddhist temple located within Ayutthaya Historical Park in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand. Its name means “Temple of the Great Relic”, reflecting its importance as one of the principal religious centres of the former Ayutthaya Kingdom. The temple was established during the fourteenth century and served as the residence of the Supreme Patriarch and as a major centre for royal religious ceremonies. Much of the complex was destroyed when Ayutthaya was sacked in 1767, leaving the brick prangs, chedis, Buddha statues and foundations visible today. One of its most famous features is a stone Buddha head that has become enclosed within the roots of a tree.

Wat Mahathat has appeared in Kickboxer (1989) and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997). Its extensive temple ruins have been used as ancient martial-arts and fantasy settings in both films.

In Kickboxer (1989), Wat Mahathat appears as the fictional Stone City, where Xian Chow takes Kurt Sloane as part of his training for his fight against Tong Po. Xian tells Kurt that ancient warriors once came to the site and instructs him to listen with his mind, heart and entire being. Kurt trains among the ruined temples and Buddha statues, practising his speed and reactions while Xian attacks him with poles. The location returns later when Kurt continues training alone in Stone City as he prepares for the final fight with Tong Po.

In Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997), Wat Mahathat is used during the climactic battle between the warriors of Earthrealm and Shao Kahn’s forces. Liu Kang confronts Shao Kahn among the ancient temple ruins while Jax, Sonya Blade and Kitana fight Kahn’s remaining allies nearby. During their battle, Liu Kang uses his Animality to transform into a dragon, while Shao Kahn transforms into a multi-headed creature. After returning to human form, the two continue fighting until Liu Kang finally defeats Kahn. Wat Mahathat was one of several historic temple complexes in Ayutthaya used throughout the film.

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