A must-visit temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Built around 1345 with its name changed in 1367 this temple also has a well traveled Buddha statue. Originally believed to have been cast in what is now Sri Lanka the Buddha was transported through Nakhon Si Thammarat and Ayuthaya before finding its final resting place.
It is not all rest time though as yearly on Songkhran Buddha is taken and paraded through the streets of Chiang mai (home of Fluke Kumpee and Chiang mai easy drive for all things North). Water is poured over the statue in celebration of the yearly festival.
The room built to house the Buddha was built in 1345 but Buddha did not arrive here until 1367. The temple underwent renovations in 1782, 1920 and 2002. In a renovation in around 1813 a box of gold relics was found along a tunnel that leads from the Buddha housing or Wihan and the Chedi.
The Buddha statue is one of only three know of Phra Buddha Sihing within Thailand. In 1922 rumour alleges the head was stolen and the one now is just a copy. The original never being recovered. In 1925 three urns were discovered and were reputed to hold the ashes of former Royals. These however mysteriously disappeared.
In 1935 the temple was given the the status as a Royal temple first class.
Author: Gary C.
Editor: Katie K.