Situated very close to the Chiang mai museum this wat was built by King Ti-logaraja in 1455. Although so near to the city, it is not commonly visited by tourists. Maybe its location being a little off the main road. The temple is unofficially called Jed Yod meaning "seven peaks", Jed is seven in Thai. It refers to the seven chedis on top of the viharn. It is otherwise called Wat Photharam Maha Viharna.
In the center of complex is the viharn with seven spires. Built in the 15th century, the architecture shows hints of Indian, Lanna, Chinese influence. The construction of this temple was inspired by Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya. It is also the royal temple, the ashes of King Ti-logaraja are enshrined in one of the chedis.
This wat holds an important place in Thai Buddhist history as 8th Buddhist Council to verify the Tripitakas (holy text containing the teachings of Buddha) was held in 1477.
As you move in a clockwise direction, notice a huge Buddha statue in one alcove surrounded by snake idols of all sizes on the back side of the vihaarn.
I have tried to zoom the picture with the hope of making the image inside visible
A huge Buddha image stands in the centre with a smaller one just in front. An image of a monk with bowl stands at one end.
In the center of complex is the viharn with seven spires. Built in the 15th century, the architecture shows hints of Indian, Lanna, Chinese influence. The construction of this temple was inspired by Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya. It is also the royal temple, the ashes of King Ti-logaraja are enshrined in one of the chedis.
This wat holds an important place in Thai Buddhist history as 8th Buddhist Council to verify the Tripitakas (holy text containing the teachings of Buddha) was held in 1477.
the viharn with 7 chedis and thewada figures
thewada figures on viharn wall
The outside of viharn has thewada (male angels in Thai) on its wall all around. This type of architecture is very different from that of other wats in Chiang Mai. With the passage of time, very few seem to be in a good condition.
one of the almost perfect thewada bas relief
another one, this shows that apparently the thewadas had their hands folded
Bodhi tree
A huge Bodhi tree planted by King Ti-logaraja supported by planks stands under which sits Buddha with his Dharma Chakra. Prayer bells surround the platform. Bodhi tree was the tree under which Buddha meditated and got enlightenment.
This wat is supposed to be a pilgrim center for those born in the year of snake according to the Chinese calendar. Devotees come here to gain merits and place snakes as offerings.
pond supposed to be for Muchalinda
It is said that Buddha after enlightenment, sat under a tree. It started pouring so Muchalinda, the serpent spread out its hood to form a canopy over Gautam Buddha. The pit above signifies the pond where the serpent lived.
Lanna style Chedi with a large Buddha image inside and small golden ones outside and around. The top structure has collapsed.
panoramic view of the chedis
Phra Chedi
Phra Chedi is the largest chedi of the three chedis. Its is square with niches on four side. A spire rises on top of it. It was built in 1487 and contains the ashes of King Ti-logaraja.
entrance to viharn
Naags guard the entrance to viharn
viharn, front view
Buddha statues covered in gold leaves
It is a practice in Thailand to apply a gold leaf to Buddha images to gain merits. Such images with gold leaf applied throughout the body are widely seen.
Buddha in various mudras
modern viharn
Points of interest:
- the special architecture of the seven spires viharn
- large chedi with the ashes of King Ti-logaraja enshrined
- entrance free
- opening hours 6 am to 6 pm
Wat Sri Suphan, Chiang mai, Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Umong, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Mun, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Wat Suan Dok Mai,
the gold leaf :
ReplyDeleteIs it really gold and how much
if its truly Gold then since 15 century the gold must be .....my now