Wat Mung Mueang, Chiang Rai

Straight down from Uttarakit Road from the old clock tower towards market selling fresh vegetables is the Wat Mung Muang.

History of this temple:

• The time of construction of this temple is not known but it is believed to be much before the city of Chiang Rai was made capital.
• The temple is said to have mircaculous powers, during WWII, the whole city was bombed, 8 grenades were dropped on the temple but none of them exploded.
• the temple is said to be sacred, housing two Buddha images, one in the chapel called Phra Chao Song Sri and the other Phra Song Kad Jai.

What to see here:

• two main golden images-- Phra Chao Song Sri and Phra Song Kad Jai.
• stupa behind the viharn
• bell tower
• appreciate the intricate work and Lanna style architecture
• two, three-headed naga on either side of entrance

two, three-headed naga guard each side of entrance

two three-headed naga

Bronze Buddha in Lanna style

The viharn had white colored grid pattern above with its end in the hands of Buddha. This is called Sai Sin. The thread is blessed by a monk earlier and provides protection and blessings to those who visit the place.

The image of Phra Chao Song Sri sits on a green and gold pedestal and is said to be more than 700 years.

work on ceiling

monks seating area

work on pillars at the entrance

main entrance

side entrance

wooden carved entrance door

monk stands in front of viharn

front view

side view

image of monks stand on all sides of the temple

beautifully decorated windows

Stupa:

At the back of viharn or chapel is the golden stupa which enshrines Buddha relics. The chedi sits on a square platform.

stupa with dharam chakra below

a monk stands at the base of stupa

Khochasi with elephant trunk and head but body of a lion, two nagas on side with tail going right upto the top

There are alcoves on all sides in which Buddha stands in different mudras. I could not take the fourth one as a house was there.

The base of top of chedi is bell shaped. Lotus flowers adorn the dome. There is a hti or an umbrella on the top of stupa.

Buddha in abhay mudra

Gautam Buddha under a bodhi tree

Its sad, but the place is a car park now.

Boddhisattva, Kua Yin or Gua Yin

bell tower

Phra Song Kad Jai

Phra Song Kad Jai or Phra Sangkatjay or Katyayana or Kaccana. He was one of the prominent disciple of Gautam Buddha. He helped in propogating Buddhism.

Entrance: free

Timings: 0800 to 1600 hours