Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall พระที่นั่งดุสิตมหาปราสาท
This was constructed by King Rama I in 1789 on the site of an audience hall which was struck by lightning
and burnt down during the early years of his reign. This throne hall is built in the shape of a cross. Its four
wings are covered with four-tiered roofs from the centre of which rises a beautiful nine-tiered spire, the base
of which is supported by four Garudas clasping Nagas. Its north wing leads to a window-throne for formal
outdoor receptions which is now seldom used the last occasion being when King Rama VI received the oath
of fealty from the court after his coronation in 1911. Inside the hall are a throne inlaid with mother of-pearl,
surmounted by a nine-tiered white canopy and a bed inlaid also with mother-of-pearl, today used as an alter.
In the south wing is a window in the form of a throne built by King Mongkut rather resembling King Narai's
throne in the Palace at Lopburi. The interior walls are painted with delicate designs. The hall communicates
with an apartment called "Phiman Rataya", situated in a garden. Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall is noted for
its pure style, and dignitied simplicity. This Throne hall was used for coronations, formal audiences and for the
revision of the Buddhist scriptures. Since the death of King Rama I, it has been the place for lying-in-state. It
is also used for certain royal functions like merit making. One of the special ceremonies that takes place here
annually is the commemoration of coronation day. King Rama III used to give audience here to the court while
he resided at this Throne Hall during the renovation of his regular residence.