This wat, Jed Yod has a namesake in Chiang Mai, but it is very different than this one. The one in Chiang Mai has stucco decorations with Thewada figures on its outside wall, but here it looks very different with beautiful murals inside. The exterior too is beautifully decorated and the complex is very well maintained. Wat Jed Yod, Chiang Mai.
Jed Yod in Thai translates to seven peaks.
singha at entrance
History of temple:
The information above says, that Wat Jed Yod was built in 2367 B.E. or 1844 by a Buddhist monk named Brakrurakuntha Kunthwwongso.
The temple was bestowed Wisung in 2487B.E. or 1944 A.D.
It is a royal monastery and became a third grade royal temple in 2521B.E. or 1978 A.D.
Below it are names of Abbots of the wat.
Viharn:
The exterior of viharn is decorated with floral motifs.
side of viharn, walls decorated in red, gold and green
side entrance with golden naga, Thewada figures on iron grill
entrance to viharn
golden naga at entrance
bargeboards too have naga, floral motif all around
entrance to viharn
An image of Buddha on the side at entrance to viharn or assembly hall
The interior has pillars in gold and black unlike the usual red and gold.
main image at altar
the hall is decorated with murals on all sides
Buddha subduing Nalagiri
Buddha's cousin, Devadatta was jealous of him so he set an elephant to trample him to death. But, the elephant came and knelt beside Buddha.
Brahma near the wall of exit
hall decorated with murals on all sides
one part of door
the other door
I have never seen a ceiling like this, it has Chinese zodiac signs as well as some numbers. Outside the viharn on wooden ceiling are these murals. They represent the Thai astrological system.
Naga with gaping mouth surround the creation
Another set of formation on side
Chedi:
Just behind the viharn is chedi which has a total of seven spires, central big one surrounded by six smaller ones.
Only men are permitted to go up and see.
square base with one side which juts out
The square base has images of Buddha, a singha guards the stupa on roof
images at base
Towards the viharn end, is a small room which unfortunately was closed. We peeped inside and took some pictures.
straight ahead is Buddha in reclining position
There are some more images nearby
bell tower
Very close to viharn, under a Bodhi tree are images of Buddha in various mudras on a red and white platform.
The guardians remind me of Manusiha, which are very often seen in wats of Myanmar. It is a combination of Manusa (मानुष, that is human) and Sinha (सिंह, a lion). Manusiha has a body of lion but face of a human.
I have not been able to find its Thai name.
Leaving the wat behind, I started of comparing the two wats, one here and the other in Chiang Mai. I think they are both very different and one cannot compare which is better.
Entrance fee: Free
Timings : Open daily
