Every wat I have so far visited in Chiang Mai is so different and has a character of its own. Wat Suan Dawg or Suan Dok is situated just on the side of Suthep road a little further on the west of the old city.
What you see in front as you enter is a congregation of white chedis some small and some big.
Built in 1373, by King Kue Na of Mengrai dynasty, the wat gets its name from the royal garden which was present at this place. Suan Dawg" means "golden flower".
Purpose behind building this wat:
I have already mentioned the legend of white elephant in my post on Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. I am in that case briefly writing about it.
Monk Sumana came to Chiang Mai along with Buddha relic bone, the King built this place for him to stay.The bone split into two. The smaller piece was enshrined in the golden chedi at this place and the larger piece was enshrined in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
board outside the chedis
An important feature in this wat is that the chedi is open on all four sides and is guarded by nagas at entrance. The doorway has makars on either side.
What you see in front as you enter is a congregation of white chedis some small and some big.
Built in 1373, by King Kue Na of Mengrai dynasty, the wat gets its name from the royal garden which was present at this place. Suan Dawg" means "golden flower".
Purpose behind building this wat:
I have already mentioned the legend of white elephant in my post on Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. I am in that case briefly writing about it.
Monk Sumana came to Chiang Mai along with Buddha relic bone, the King built this place for him to stay.The bone split into two. The smaller piece was enshrined in the golden chedi at this place and the larger piece was enshrined in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Large number of white colored chedis are seen on entrance. These contain ashes of members of the Chiang Mai royal family. So, it is a royal cemetery.
mosaic work on top of chedi near the golden chedi
golden chedi
This 48 meter golden bell shaped chedi is made in Sri Lankan style and enshrines the holy relic (small piece of Buddha).
another entrance
On top of the golden chedi is a square plateform (harmika) with mosaic work. Above the square plateform just below the umbrella Buddha images surround the shaft.
imposing standing gilded Buddha at ubosot facing the chedi
This wat is the center of Mahachulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya Buddhist University where monks pursue their studies.
Points of interest:
- collection of white chedis
- huge golden chedi
- beautiful ubosoth
- entry free
