Wat Rong Suea Ten, commonly referred as the blue temple was the last temple we visited on our trip to Chiang Rai.
You cannot mistake not recognizing it by its brilliant blue color. The whole temple is made of sapphire blue color.
Blue color in Buddhism is associated with purity and wisdom and not having any attachment for materialistic things which is a very important aspect in Buddhism.
History of temple:
Wat Rong Suen Ten translates to "Temple of the Dancing Tiger". Historically, it is claimed that the area was inhabited by tigers who roamed in the grounds. The tigers who would cross the nearby Mae Kok river and visit the wat which existed in the same place. The wat soon got abandoned and was badly in a state of repair. In 1996, locals decided to renovate the temple, work started in 2005 but still is in the process of completion.
The temple was designed by Putha Kabkaew, a student of Chalermchai Kositpitat, who built the white temple.
massive statues of temple guardians stand at entrance
One guardian is seen standing between a coiled naga on top of a lion's head, whereas the other one stands on top of a gaping naga.
Phra Upagupta or Upakut
In front of the viharn, a white statue of Phra Upagupta sits on a blue lotus with a pink flower umbrella. Phra Upagupta or Upakut was one of the most revered monks in Buddhism.
Here, he looks upwards, has a bowl with one hand around it and the other on top of it.
Upakut, rear view
On the other side of Phra Upakut is a white image of Buddha seated on a blue lotus
Buddha gave his first sermon in the Deer Park at Varanasi (India) to 5 ascetics seated below.
With its vibrant blue and gold colors, this attracts the eyes of anyone who enters the temple complex.
Naga:
The entrance to vihar is flanked by two blue and golden nagas.
Two naga on either side of viharn grace the entrance. The design of these naga has been inspired by Tawan Duchanee, who was the designer of Black House.
kochasri in front of entrance
green colored Yaksha, keeping the temple safe
flowers and candle for sale
entrance to viharn
The inside of the viharn was exquisite. The pillars are decorated with intricate patterns in shades of blue and gold.
The reflected blue lights give an ethereal ambience to the place.
At the end of viharn, is a white colored porcelain seated Buddha on a white lotus. Buddha sits in bhumisparsh mudra, symbolising earth being a witness to his enlightenment.
The principal Buddha image, "Phra Buddha Ratchamongkok Bodi Triloknat" meaning "Buddha is the auspicious Lord in the three worlds". There are said to be 88,000 Phra Rod Lamphun Buddha images, gold and silver rings under the principal Buddha.
The image is 6.50 meters high with a lap width of 5 meters.
Ceiling again is in shades of blue and gold. Here, Buddha is seen inside 4-petaled flower and three faced Buddha inside 8-petaled flower.
work on entrance door
stone and metal work on door
Looking back towards the entrance, one sees a gaping mouth. This signifies a person entered towards heaven through this door.
Like most of Thai temples, the walls depict incidents from the life of Buddha. The only difference being that here, they are painted in a modern style.
monks seating place
The temple though is not active, (meaning no monks stay here) but they visit the place to bless the devotees.
representation of Emerald Buddha
Thewada figure flanked by two birds
side windows
temple guardian with feathered wings and a staff behind its back
Behind the viharn, a white huge image of standing Buddha is framed against the vihar wall . He stands on a white lotus on top of a blue pedestal.
Buddha stands in an abhaya mudra pose or gesture of fearlessness.
Phra That Ked Kaew Chula Mani:
A blue and golden chedi stands in front of the white image.
A golden image of standing Buddha in front of the chedi is protected by two naga. The construction of chedi started in 2012 and finished in 2014.
The stupa is 20 meters high and the top contain Buddha relics.
Do not forget to sample the blue-colored coconut ice cream. It gets its blue color from butterfly pea flower. It is also a signature drink of Thai Airways.
Served in coconut shells with some fresh coconut meat and sprinkling of toasted peanuts and sesame seeds is refreshing and delectable on a hot day. A flower is also put on the side.
A small glass of coconut water comes with ice cream.
My husband who loves ice creams, had 2 servings.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 7 A.M. to P.M.
