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Thai Temple Architecture
Temples in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is rightly famous for its many ancient temples, some of which
date from the late 13th century. Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai show off
a mixture of architectural styles that reflect the varied heritage of Northern
Thailand. Elements from Lanna Thai, Burmese, Sri Lankan and Mon temples
have all been used in one from or another. Intricate woodcarvings and protective
Naga serpent staircases add a flamboyance that reflects an awesome reverence
for the Buddhist religion. Gilded umbrellas, guardian figures from the tales
of the Ramayana and stupas trimmed with god filigree combine to heighten
the overall effect. To date, there have been some 300 temples constructed
in Chiang Mai an its outskirts.
Despite the changes that have taken place in Chiang Mai since its founding
days, the people have well preserved their customs and traditions. Temples
not only serve as interesting tourist attractions, but also act as a centre
where traditional values, beliefs and lifestyles are preserved. From visiting
temples, the audience can learn more about the values and lore of the founding
fathers of Chiang Mai.
Architectural Terms Used in Thai Architecture
Bot. The Bot (also called Ubosoth) is the ordination hall
of a Wat. It is the place where new monks take their vows. You can recognize
a building as a Bot by the six boundary stones (Bai Sema) that define the
limits of its sanctuary. Bots are usually open only to the monks. Inside
are always an altar and one or several Buddha images.
Chedi. A Chedi (a different term would be stupa or pagoda) is a domed edifice,
often quite tall, under which relics of the Buddha or revered religious
teachers are buried.
Chofah. Chofahs are the bird-like decorations on the end
of the temple roofs. If you visit the Museum of the Emerald Buddha near
the Grand Palace in Bangkok you can see examples of chofahs displayed in
glass cases in the ground floor and have a closer look at them. Chofahs
are often decorated with little bells that tinkle in the wind.
Ho Trai. The Ho Trai (also transcripted as "Ho Phra")
is the library of the Wat. It is usually a very small, highly decorated
building. In the Central Plains it often sits on columns in a pond . The
holy scripts and sacred manuscripts of the Wat are kept inside.
Mondop. A Mondop (also called Mandapa) is a baldachin structure
that has in some temples been erected above the library with the sacred
Buddhist scripts.
Naga. A Naga is a representation of a mystical serpent
that according to the holy scripts sheltered the Buddha while he was meditating.
In temple architecture, it runs down the edge of the roof, or, especially
in Lanna (North of Thailand) temples, flanks the staircase that ascends
to the Viharn or Bot. In sculptures, it is depicted sheltering the head
of the Buddha with its own. Beautiful representations of Nagas are known
from Khmer art, as found in the Khmer ruins in the Northeast of Thailand.
Prang. A Prang is an Ayuthayan or Khmer-style Chedi that
is high and slim and looks like a vertical ear corn. Many of the Chedis
in Wat Phra Kaew or Wat Po in Bangkok are Prangs.
Sala. A Sala is an open-sided pavilion. Some Viharns are
built in this style.
Viharn. A Viharn is a sermon hall. It is usually the busiest
building in a Wat and open to everyone. Just like the Bots,
Viharns hold an altar and one or several Buddha images.
Wat. A Wat is a Thai Buddhist temple or monastery. In most
cases it is not just one building, but a collection of buildings, shrines,
and monuments within a courtyard that is enclosed by a wall.
Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, older even
than the city. It was constructed during the reign of King Mengrai, who
lived in the temple while overseeing the construction of Chiang Mai, the
capital of the Lanna kingdom.
The temple possesses one of the most treasured artifacts in Thailand—a
Buddha image called the Phra Sae Tang Kamani (Crystal Buddha). When this
image is carved is not known but it was mentioned first mentioned in 1296,
when King Mengrai arranged for it to be brought to Chiang Mai. A war was
fought over possession of this image. After it was returned, a ceremony
has been performed every year since 1380 on April 1st to mark the occasion.
Another famous Buddha held by the temple is called the Phra Sila (stone
Buddha) which is thought to have been carved around 900 AD in India. Legend
says that whichever city possesses both Buddhas will thrive. However, the
blessing only works if the city also posses the Phra Singh image, but it
is not known if the Buddha kept in Phra Singh is authentic. The Buddhas
are also thought to have the power to produce rain.
One interesting aspect of the temple is its chedi (pagoda) which has 15
lifesize elephant carvings incorporated into its base. The Standing Buddha
statue at the temple is the oldest Lanna kingdom statue known. An inscription
dates it to 1465.
A stone inscription near the door of the ordination hall (bot) is dated
1581. It includes a history of the town and monastery, as well as a list
of donors to the temple. It confirms that the temple was founded by King
Mengri and that it was restored in 1471, 1558, 1571, and 1581.
Temples and Places of Interest
Temples in Chiang Mai are traditional northern style with a two or three-tiered
roof with low eaves and finely carved pediments, but there are also some
Burmese influences.
Phrathat Doi Suthep: (see picture)
This temple is the most sacred temple which houses the Lord Buddha's relics.
It is located on top of Suthep Mountain about 15 kilometres west of the
township. The temple is at an altitude of 1,080 meters above mean sea level.
Before getting to the temple, there are mythical nagas leading up 290 steps
to the temple top which is the graceful, northern style golden stupa. Inside
the chapel there are some good mural paintings showing the life of the Lord
Buddha. Outside one you can enjoy the beautiful view of the city of Chiang
Mai. The temple was built by King Kue Na of Lanna Kingdom in 1383.
Phu Phing Palace:
The palace is located about 4 kilometres further from Doi Suthep. The palace
is open to the public when the royal family does not reside there, this
Thai style residence of the royal family is surrounded with the most beautiful
garden with a variety of coloured flowers.
Khru Ba Si Wichai Monument:
The monument is located near Huay Kaew Falls about 7 kilometres from the
township. The monument was built to commemorate Khru Ba Si Wichai, a popular
monk who led volunteers to build the first manmade road up the hill to
Phrathat Doi Suthep temple.
Meo Hill Tribe Village:
Is about 2 kilometres from the palace. The area is called Doi Pui. This
Meo hill tribe formerly grew opium for their living. This group is the first
who began to grow marketable farm crops with the support of the government.
Wat Phra Sing: Is the principle temple of Chiang Mai. The principle image
in this temple is the sitting Buddha Sihing Image (famous for the generous
facial expression). The chapel of Wat Phra Sing is very beautiful with splendidly
carved pillars and beams and artful stucco. Inside the chapel is a painting
depicting two stories of Thai literature, Sang Thong and Suwannahong.
Wat Chiang Man:
The temple is in the township of Chiang Mai. It is the oldest temple in
Chiang Mai, older than the city of Chiang Mai itself. It is said that King
Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai, resided in this temple while directing
the building of the new Lanna capital. The temple houses two sacred ancient
Buddha images. The stupa in this temple imitates the stupa at Si Satchanalai.
Wat Suan Dok (Wat Buppharam):
The temple is on Suthep road. It was built by King Kue Na who built Phrathat
Doi Suthep. The biggest chapel (wihan) in the north, this temple houses
the most beautiful Chaingsaen style bronze Buddha image called Phra Chao
Kao Tue. The remains of Chiang Mai's former royal family are housed in a
group of small stupas in this temple.
Wat Chedi Luang:
The temple name means "royal stupa". It is located in the heart
of the city of Chiang Mai. The stupa was built in 1411. Later it was damaged
by an earthquake and the remainder has not been repaired. This temple has
the most beautiful naga-stair balustrades of the whole northern temple architecture.
Inthakhin:
or the city pillar which symbolizes the strong foundation of the city of
Chiang Mai is in the front of the Chedi Luang temple.
Wat Chedi Chet Yot (Wat Photharam Mahawihan):
The temple is located at Km. 4 on Chiang Mai-Fang Highway. Chedi Chet Yot
literally means the seven spired stupa. The body of the structure is a cave-like
rectangular hall. Inside the cave is a Buddha image, on the roof there are
five stupa towers on square bases, each looks like the great at Bodh Gaya,
India. The largest stupa is in the middle. Two more Chiang Saen stupas are
on the front. This stupa was built under the command of King Tilokarat of
Lanna, in about 1477 A.D. The first Sangkhayana (Buddhism Doctrines revision)
in Thailand was held in this temple at that time.
Wat Umong:
It is located off Huay Kaew road. The temple is famous for meditation. There
are many underground rooms for the practice of meditation. Around the temple,
even on the trees, there are exhibition instruction paintings showing religious
thoughts. People say the trees in this temple can speak because of these
instructions.
Wat Ku Tao: The temple is in the township. The stupa was built in the year
1613 in the shape of five gourds to represent five Lord Buddhas.
Chiang Mai National Museum:
The museum is located close to Wat Chedi Chet Yot. It is small but well
maintained. The museum has many rare collections of Buddha heads, images
and artifacts from many periods. It also has collections of howdahs, coffin
covers, displays of hill tribe costumes, northern-style household gadgets
and two ancient kilns.
Old Chiang Mai Cultural centre:
The centre is on Wualai road in the southern part of the city. The centre
is a complex of northern style houses with comprehensive exhibitions of
folk crafts and antiques. Also on show is a hill tribe village way of life.
In the evenings, the centre holds the traditional "KHANTOKE" dinner
for visitors. At Khantoke dinner guests and hosts sit on mats on the floor
around a round table and are served a northern meal of sticky rice, Kang
Hung Le, Sai Ua and some side dishes. They share the same dishes, eating
with their fingers. Entertainment is generally provided in the form of different
northern Thai classical dances during the dinner.
Wat Phrathat Si Chom Thong:
The temple is located at Km 58, on Chiang Mai-Hod road. This temple was
built in the year 1451.
Nabhamethanidol Stupa: The stupa is located in the Inthanon National Park.
The stupa houses a holy relic of Lord Buddha. It was built to commemorate
the 60th Birthday of His Majesty the King. The stupa is 60 meters high and
signifies His majesty the King's 60th birthday. The top of the stupa is
decorated with eight lotus to signify the Lord Buddha's eight great paths
to Enlightenment. The topmost part looks like an unopened banana blossom,
which represents the struggle to reach the ultimate goal in Buddhism. A
nine-tiered royal umbrella is placed over the top to symbolize the King.
Another stupa is built next to the Nabhamethanidol to mark the 60th Birthday
of Her Majesty the Queen.
Elephant Training Camp:
The camp is on Chiang Mai-Chiang Doa road and has a charming demonstration
of the working elephants' skilled in handling logging.Wat Goo Come, or Wat
Jedee Liam was built by King Mengrai at the side of Wiang Goom Gaam, located
just outside the city of Chiangmai on the road to Lumpoon. To get there,
turn right at the starting point for the number two yellow bus, 200 meters
after the Mae Ping Police Station on Lumpoon Road.
King Mengrai conquered Lumpoon in 1281, and two years later he began to
look for a site to establish his new capital Chiangmai. During his surveying
years, 1286-1295, he resided temporarily in Goom Gaam. Upon the death of
his beloved wife, the queen, he built this pyramidal pagoda in her memory.
He donated the monument to the wat after its completion in 1288.
Wat Jedee Luang on Prapokklao Road is the side of a formerly massive pagoda
that was unfortunately destroyed in the great earthquake of 1545. The temple
was originally constructed in 1401 by the orders of King Saeng Muang Ma.
In 1454, reigning King Tilo-Garaj enlarged the jedee to a height of 86 meters.
After the earthquake, the jedee lay in ruin until 1991, when it was reconstructed
at a cost of several million Baht. The reconstructed jedee was finished
in 1992, and it is every as impressive as it was when it was first built.
Wat Chiang Mun is the oldest temple in Chiangmai. It is located within the
walled city on Rajpakinai Road. King Mengrai allegedly lived here while
the city of Chiangmai was constructed. Enshrined in Wat Chiang Mun is a
tiny crystal Buddha called Pra Seh-Taang Kamaneeee. It is thought to have
the power to bring rain. Another image, called Phra Sila Khoa, reflects
the fine workmanship of Indian craftsmen from thousand of years ago.
Wat Oo-Mong is an ancient temple in the forest just outside Chiangmai. King
Mengrai built this temple for a highly respected forest monk. The monk was
not able to practice Lord Buddha's teaching in the city, so the king built
a temple in an isolated area for the monk to stay quietly and meditate.
Wat Jao Mengrai was built in the city of Chiangmai shortly after Wat Chiang
Mun was completed. When the big Buddha image was being carried through the
city to the new temple site, the carriage broke and the image fell to the
ground. Out of superstition, King Mengrai decided to build another temple
on the spot.
Wat Suan Dorg on Suthep Road was built in 1383. It was constructed in the
gardens of Lanna Royal Residence. The rows of smaller White jedees contain
the ashes of Chiangmai Royal family.
Wat Pra Singh is located in the centre of the city at the intersection of
Singharaj and Rajdamnern Road. The large jedee was built in 1345 by King
Pha Yu to house the remains of his father King Kam Fu. A typical scripture
repository is located at this temple as well. These repositories were designed
to keep and protect the delicate sa or mullberry paper sheets used by monk
and scribes to keep records and write down folklore. The high stucco-covered
stone base of the repository protected the delicate scriptures from the
rain, floods and pests.
The walls of the chapel are coverer with mural illustrating Lanna customs,
dress, and scenes from daily life. The lovely Lai Kam chapel houses the
revered Phra Singh Buddha image. Sadly, the head was stolen in 1922, and
a reproduction is now seen.
Wat Jed Yord is situated on the superhighway off Huay Kaew Road, near the
Chiangmai National Museum. Built in 1455 by King Tilokaraja, its name means
"Seven Spires" - a description of a jedee's construction. It was
copied from the Mahabodi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, where the Buddha achieved
enlightenment. The larger jedee contains the ashes of King Tilokaraja.
Wat Goo Tao is located behind the Municipal Stadium (Sanam Gita). It contains
a delightful, almost whimsically constructed jedee shaped like five melons.
All five are decorated with intricate pieces of coloured porcelain.
Wat Phra Thart Doi Suthep is set amongst the peaks of Doi Suthep. It has
a lovely setting with a panoramic view of Chiangmai and the Mae Ping River
valley. Although Wat Doi Suthep is the most recently built of the temples
dating from the Lanna Thai period, it is the symbol of Chiangmai. The site
was selected by sending an elephant to roam at will up the mountainside.
When it reached this spot, it trumpeted, circled three times, and kneeled
down and thus interpreted as a sign indicating and auspicious site.
Wat Pan Tao is one of the few remaining temples with wooden buildings that
are still in good condition.
Wat Prasart is located across the street from Wat Phra Singh to the North.
It is a good example of typical Lanna temple architecture.
Wat Saen Fang is of Burmese style situated in an amazingly serene spot just
off busy Thapae Road.
Temples
Wat Chiang Man - Located in the northeast corner of the
old city (within the moat) this is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. Built
in 1296, by King Mangrai, Wat Chiang Man originally served as his home but
is now inhabited solely by monks. The main chapel features classic Thai
architecture with huge ornately decorated teak columns holding the roof
up. Although the main chapel contains an impressive Buddha image, the true
'prizes' of this temple are contained within the smaller chapel to the right.
Two impressive Buddhas are stored behind glass in the centre of this chapel.
The larger of the two, Phra Sila (or stone Buddha) is a stone bas-relief
which was imported from either India or Sri Lanka around 2,500 years ago.
Chedi Luang - This temple, which is situated off Prapokklao
Road, is so named because of the giant chedi which stands in its grounds.
Phaya Saen Muang ordered that the chedi be constructed as a tribute to his
late father Phaya Kuena and intended that it should be visible within a
radius of 2,000 wa (1wa = 2m). He died before its completion, however, and
construction was not finished until the year 1401 AD. The Great Chedi is
a fine example of the Lanna school of Art based on the metal palaces of
Sri Lanka. The top of the chedi was destroyed during a major earthquake
in the year 1545 AD. The City Pillar, known as Sao lnthakin, is also stored
within the grounds of this temple. This pillar is highly respected by the
local people, particularly during the 6th lunar month of each year when
a festival known as sai khan dok is held to worship it with flowers, incense
and other offerings.
Wat Photharam Viharn - This temple is known locally as
Wat Jed Yod after the seven-pinnacled chedi which stands in its grounds.
King Tilokaraj ordered the construction of this chedi as a copy of the chedi
at Bodh Gaya, India, where the Buddha attained enlightenment. The chedi,
which is made of laterite and is smaller than the original in India, is
decorated with graceful figures of celestial beings in stucco. Construction
was completed in 1455 AD. This temple was chosen as the site for the 8th
Buddhist Council. The relics of King Tilokaraj, who ruled over Lanna during
its golden age, are enshrined in the large chedi in this temple.
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