Chiang Man Temple

Like most temples in Thailand, the stupa is the oldest. The stupa of Chiang Man Temple, called Chang Lom or Elephant Stupa, rests on a square base of gray stone. Surrounding the stupa are 15 elephants facing different directions. The architecture of the stupa is a mixture of Lanna and Singhalese styles, the upper part of the stupa is gilded, and the inside contains an ancient relic.

Chiang Man Temple has 2 Viharn buildings (where Buddha worships and chants), including a large one and a smaller one. The large Viharn building is impressed by the typical lanna style with a three-story roof structure, the front of the Viharn is carved with sophisticated and sophisticated wood. This building was remodeled in the 1920s by the famous monk Khru Ba Srivichai. Inside the large Viharn contains the oldest Buddha image in Chiang Mai, a standing Buddha holding a alms bowl dating back to 1465. Meanwhile, the newly built small Viharn also bears typical style of Lanna architecture. The stairs going up to the small Viharn are decorated with the statue of the snake god Naga, inside there are many precious and ancient Buddha statues.

The most famous spot in Chiang Man Temple is the Phra sae Tang Khamani Crystal Buddha, which is not large but carved from quartz crystal, also known as the Crystal Buddha. Thai historians do not exactly date the Buddha, but it is believed to have belonged to Chama Thewi, Queen of Hariphunchai in the 8th century. There was a war in the past to contend for it. statue, the conflict ended in 1380 and the statue remains intact at Chiang Man Temple. To commemorate this event, the people of Chiang Mai hold a ceremony on April 1 every year.

In addition, the temple also has another precious statue, Phra Sila Buddha, carved from stone depicting a standing Buddha. The Phra Sila Buddha statue is said to have been crafted in Sri Lanka over a thousand years ago. It is the most revered statue by the people of Chiang Mai and plays an important role in the Songkran festival, Thailand's largest festival held every April. According to local legend, the city that has these 2 statues will become prosperous and prosperous.

Chiang Man is a temple of great value not only in terms of religion but also in the field of tourism for Chiang Mai. The pagoda attracts a large number of tourists every year, especially pilgrims. This is also the place where Thai primary school students often go to extracurricular activities to listen to the monks in the temple talk about the history of Buddhism and the history of Chiang Mai city.

Opening hours: Chiang Man Temple is open every day of the week from 08:00 - 17:00