Wat Phra That Lampang Luang ‘All those stunning architectures’
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is the most important temple, worthy of visiting in Lampang.
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is an important ancient site of the province. The legend says, long time ago, in the period of Lord Buddha, He and a few followers travelled to many communities. Until they reached Ban Lampa Karee Wan, Lord Buddha decided to stayed on the top of Doi Mon Noi. During the time, a Lua man had a tight faith in his heart for Lord Buddha. Therefore, he bestowed honey upon Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha ate the honey. Then He gave a piece of His hair to the man. The man took the hair, put it in a golden casket, put the casket in a tunnel along with several worshipping items. Soon he created a large pagoda. As time went by, many kings of Lampang renovated and re-decorated the pagoda until it looks beautiful like what you see nowadays.
Phra That Lampang Luang temple is full of stunning architectures. Everything is perfect, really. Beside of the mentioned pagoda, you will find the vihara, the ubosot, the tower of Lord Buddha’s footprints, the Naga-shaped handrails etc.
To enter the temple, you must pass a pair of guardian lions and climb the naga stairway up to the massive main gate. The main prayer hall, the Wiharn Luang, stands close inside the main entrance. The chapel is open on all four sides, forming a huge covered hall. Sturdy columns support the roof. The columns are finished in black lacquer and stenciled with gold leaf designs.
The murals within remain in reasonably good nick and tell stories from court life. The wat is home to two important Buddha images, Phra Jao Lan Tang, which was cast in 1563 and is enclosed in a golden mondop towards the rear of the viharn and Phra Jao Tan Jai, which sits behind it. Also behind the viharn is a grand pagoda.
The pagoda was faced with copper and bronze sheets, which over the centuries have oxidized into a variety of green and blue shades. The chedi has somehow escaped the gilding which is now universally applied to pagodas in Thailand, even if they weren’t originally built that way.
South of the main pagoda, Wihan Phra Phut dates back to the 13th century and is the oldest structure in the compound.
Wihan Phra Phut is a small chapel built in 1802 with a beautifully carved facade. Behind the Wiharn Phar Phut is a tiny tower-like structure, the Ho Phra Phuttabat. It houses a Buddha footprint sculpture. The building is generally only open on important festival dates, and may never be entered by women.
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang also has a large collection of ancient wooden utensils. You can walk around to have a sightseeing or pay respect to something. Just remember, always dress politely: no shorts, no sleeveless shirts, no slippers.
How to get there
Phra That Lampang Luang temple is located in Lampang Luang District. It’s not very far from the downtown. You just have to drive along the highway Lampang-Thoen. Then turn left at the 586th kilometre. Continue straight until you reach the office of Kho Kha County. Turn right, keep going for another 2 kilometres.
Nearby Places
Thai Elephant Conservation Center has been bringing travelers up close to one of the jungle’s largest mammals, 50 of which call the protected stables home. Visitors can spend time enjoying the grounds while following expert guides who know just about everything there is to know about these massive animals. The camp employees work diligently to educate travelers about animal conservation and environmental protection.
Wat Lai Hin Luang Kaew Chang Yuen or Wat Sela Rattana Papphataram is an important temple in Lampang Province. Besides its Keng Tung-style Viharn and the unique Lanna-style arches, the temple is also the location of the Museum Hall of Ancient Lanna, which was collectively established by the villagers.
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