Wat Chedi Luang ‘Travel back to the past with this historic temple’
Chiang Mai, one of Thailand’s most historic towns, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels. The best way to delve into the city’s past is through its architecture, which tells stories of different eras and peoples through unique art styles. Each structure reflects the lifestyle, ideas, and behaviors of the people who built it. Among these architectural treasures, Wat Chedi Luang stands out as a must-visit landmark.
Discover the Splendor of Wat Chedi Luang: Chiang Mai’s Historic Gem
Unveiling the Historical Significance of Wat Chedi Luang
Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, Wat Chedi Luang, also known as the “Grand Stupa” or Wat Chotikaram, is an iconic symbol of the city’s wealth and power. Constructed during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma in the late 14th century, the temple has seen numerous renovations and expansions, with the most significant changes occurring in the mid-14th century. It remains a cultural hub and a popular tourist destination where visitors can admire intricate carvings and sculptures.
Viharn Luang and Phra Attharot: Spiritual and Architectural Wonders
The main viharn, known as Viharn Luang, was constructed in 1928 and houses the impressive Phra Attharot Buddha image. This towering statue, cast towards the end of the 14th century, stands at 18 cubits tall and is a focal point of worship. The statue’s Abhaya mudra symbolizes protection and fearlessness. The smaller viharn, noted for its intricate wood carvings and Naga-guarded stairway, adds to the temple’s architectural splendor.
The Massive Chedi: A Testament to Lanna Glory
The centerpiece of Wat Chedi Luang is its massive chedi, originally built to a height of 85 meters to enshrine the ashes of King Saen Muang Ma’s father. This grand structure, completed in 1475 during King Tilokarat’s reign, was once the tallest building in Chiang Mai. Although a 1545 earthquake reduced its height to about 60 meters, the chedi remains awe-inspiring. Restoration efforts in the 1990s preserved its grandeur, and its four sides are adorned with mythical Naga serpents and stone elephants.
The Sao Inthakin: Chiang Mai’s Protective City Pillar
Another significant feature of Wat Chedi Luang is the Sao Inthakin, or City Pillar, housed in a small building within the temple grounds. Local belief holds that this pillar protects the city. Accompanied by three massive Dipterocarp trees, also believed to be city protectors, the Sao Inthakin is central to annual ceremonies aimed at ensuring Chiang Mai’s prosperity and well-being.
Additional Attractions and Cultural Significance
The temple grounds include a Reclining Buddha, a bell tower, and Wat Phan Tao, another temple located nearby. Visitors can also participate in the Monk Chat program, open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., where they can engage with monks about Buddhism, monk life, and Thai culture. This program provides a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and learning.
Chedi Luang temple was also historically significant for housing the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most revered Buddhist relic, for a short period. Today, a replica donated by the king can be seen at the temple. The base of the chedi features splendid elephant statues, and the temple also has a small shed housing a Reclining Buddha image.
Moreover, you can walk to the back of Chedi Luang, in order to pay respect to the Buddha’s relics of your birth year, just for your own luck.
Then you may move to ‘Phra Jao Tanjai’, a kind of Lord Buddha statue, that is also located within the temple. Phra Jao Tanjai is believed to complete every wishes you make. Most temples in Chiangmai have got Phra Jao Tanjai So, if you have any wish, don’t forget to make some before you leave.
Remember, you are able to visit Chedi Luang Temple everyday and anytime, even at night.
Tips for Visitors
When visiting Wat Chedi Luang, it is essential to dress respectfully. Visitors should avoid shorts, sleeveless shirts, hats, and slippers, as temples are places of religious significance. Proper attire and respectful behavior are expected from all visitors.
How to get there
Wat Chedi Luang is located on 103 King Prajadhipok Road, Phra Singh District, Muang County. The most convenient way to travel there is to grab a red two-line truck. Tell the driver that you want to go to Wat Chedi Luang. Then the driver will charge you the price by calculating how long the route is.
Embark on a journey to discover the timeless beauty and spiritual depth of Wat Chedi Luang. Book your Chiang Mai Day Tour now and immerse yourself in the heart of Lanna culture. This experience is not only enlightening but also deeply enriching, making it a must-visit on any trip to Chiang Mai.
Nearby Places
Beside of Wat Chedi Luang, there are still many more gorgeous temples in Muang County of Chiang Mai, which you may want to visit next.
Wat Phra Singh (Temple of the Lion Buddha) is an important Buddhist monastery and temple on the west side of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Founded in the 14th century, it houses two medieval Buddha statues. The recently restored Viharn Lai Kham is a classic example of a Lanna style viharn and was built to house the Phra Sihing image enthroned inside.
The Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and goes back all the way to the founding of the city in 1296. When King Mengrai decided to build a new city and make it the new capital of the Lanna Kingdom, he build the Wat Chiang Man as the first temple of the new city on the site he used to supervise the construction of Chiang Mai.
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