These remains of the Buddhist temple, Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relics) are located near the center of Ayutthaya. In addition to being the symbolic center where the Buddha’s relics were enshrined, Wat Mahathat was also the residence of the Supreme Patriarch or leader of the Thai Buddhist monks. The temple is believed to be built during the 14th century A.D. (the early Ayutthaya period). This complex is located across the street from Wat Ratchaburana.