Wat Chedi Luang (Temple of the large Stupa) is marvelous ruined temple

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 Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang (Temple of the large Stupa) is marvelous ruined temple within the center of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, geological dating from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.

History of Wat Chedi Luang

King Saen Muang Ma (r.1385-1401) started  the  construction of Wat Chedi Luang in 1391 to carry the ashes of his father, Ku Na. The building was enlarged by the following  kings, reaching  to its final shape in 1475.

It was then given the great honor of housing the Emerald Buddha, the religious object in Thailand (now kept in Bangkok). At recent time, Wat Chedi Luang rose to a height of 84m (280 foot.).

A century later, an earthquake (1545) destroyed a part of the great tower. The Emerald Buddha was kept within the chedi for one more six years, then it  moved to Luang Prabang (in current Laos) by the king.

Five years later, Chiang Mai fell to the Burmese. The temple was never remodeled, but even at its post-earthquake height (60m) it stills the tallest structure in Chiang Mai till nowadays.

Several viharns were added to the temple in later years; the most important viharn was constructed in 1928.

What to see at Wat Chedi Luang

all inclusive vocation The ruined brick chedi of Wat Chedi Luang currently rises to approximately 60m in height. Its base is 44m (144 foot.) . it's four sides, each side  with a distinct segment approached by a monumental stairs protected by mythical snakes. Elephants stand guard  on the middle of the platform.

Despite its ruined state, the chedi still has many Buddha shrines and remains an energetic place of worship frequented by saffron-robed monks.

all inclusive vocation :-The large viharn (assembly hall) next to the ruined chedi was constructed in 1928. Its magnificent interior, with arched columns supported by  a high  ceiling, contains a standing Buddha referred to as the Phra Chao Attarot. made from mortar and brass alloy , the Buddha dates from the time of the temple's founder, King Saen Muang Ma .

Next to the doorway could be a wonderful dipterocarp tree, one among 3 revered as defenders  of the town. Legend has it that if this tree falls, a strong  catastrophe may occur.

Also protecting Chiang Mai is the town "Spirit of the City" (Lak Mueang), that is enshrined in a very tiny cross-shaped building next to the tree. The pillar was moved from its original position at Wat Sadoe Muang in 1800

Sharing the grounds of Wat Chedi Luang is another temple, Wat Phan Tao. Its wooden viharn has stunning carvings around the door and rooflines and contains an oversized reclining Buddha

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