Visit Sukhothai's Ancient City and Pay Respect to Phra Mae Ya, the City's Revered Patroness
Prince Damrong's 1914 archaeological research in Sukhothai identified Phra Mae Ya, an ancient female deity statue believed to be the city's legendary patroness and mother of its great kings, now revered for protection and blessings.
Around 1914, Prince Damrong Rajanubhap conducted extensive historical and archaeological research in the ancient city of Sukhothai during a period of intense scholarly interest in Thailand's origins, marked by the establishment of the Ancient Society of Thailand, later known as the Archaeological Society. During King Chulalongkorn's reign, royal expeditions explored the northern regions, and King Mongkut authored "Journey to Sukhothai" while serving as Crown Prince and Vice President of the Archaeological Society.
Prince Damrong investigated the Sukhothai Kingdom by comparing various stone inscriptions, particularly the first stele, which mentions the city's guardian spirit dwelling at Khao Luang. The inscription names this spirit "Phra Khaphung Phee" and describes its importance: "At the head of Sukhothai city there is Phra Khaphung Phee, a deity greater than all spirits in this city. Whoever rules Sukhothai and reveres this spirit correctly will keep the city prosperous and good; whoever fails to show proper respect will find the city destroyed."
During the search for sacred objects, Prince Damrong discovered an ancient stone statue of a female deity. Unable to find other deity statues in the Khao Luang range and noting the local reverence for this statue, he concluded it represented Phra Khaphung Phee, an important object of worship for Sukhothai's people.
Local legend connects this statue to "Nang Suang," the mother of Khun Ban Muang and Khun Ramkhamhaeng the Great, and the principal wife of Khun Si Intharaditya, founder of the Sukhothai Kingdom. She was also the grandmother of Khun Pha Muang of the Sri Navanamphu dynasty, who helped restore the kingdom from Khmer control.
The people of Sukhothai enshrined this statue as a city talisman, naming her "Phra Mae Ya," meaning the highest-ranking woman and mother figure of Sukhothai. Today, the original statue is housed in Phra Mae Ya Shrine, with two replica statues positioned at the entrance.
"Phra Mae Ya Sukhothai" is renowned for her power to relieve suffering. During Songkran festivals, residents traditionally paraded her statue, believing it would bring rain, which historically occurred consistently. She is also believed to grant fertility to the childless, protect against illness and misfortune, and bring success in work and careers—acting as a protective mother figure.
When facing difficulties, devotees visit Phra Mae Ya Shrine to pay respects and make offerings of pork, mushrooms, ducks, chickens, flowers, incense, and candles. Lychees are particularly favored offerings. Many replica statues and amulets have been created and are highly revered by the faithful.
