Founded, according to an inscription, in the early years of the kingdom, around 1240, and extended during the course of subsequent reigns, Wat Mahatat was reserved for the devotions of the royal family. In addition to the ubosot, the complex comprised ten wihan and no fewer than 200 chedi! Once again, its configuration reflects Brahminical cosmogony, the central chedi symbolises Mount Meru, the abode of the gods and the axis of the world, while eight chedi represented the lower Himalayas, surrounded by the four continents.