The old City Pillar Shrine and new City Pillar Shrine (right)
The Lak Muang or City Pillar is situated on the city island in the Historical Park
opposite Wat Ket and Ayutthaya's Elephant circus. It stands north of the Phra Kan
shrine dedicated to one of the city's tutelary spirits, the Black Lord of Holy Victory (Phra
Kan Chai Sri). The Lak Muang shrine here is a post-Ayutthaya era construction.
The city pillar is believed to be the abode of the Phra Lak Muang, one of the guardian
spirits of the city, but besides housing the spirits of the city deities, it also served political
ends. These wooden structures were initially used by the ruling class for political
purposes, and over time their roles have evolved in accordance with changes in the society.
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