Favorite Temples

[thaibebop]

I have not been able to travel and thus I am a picture collector of other people's travels. I have a nice collection of Thai temples, but can not name which ones are which and where they might be. I was thinking that perhaps you guys might want to share picture of your favorite temples and tell me a little about them. Thanks so much,

Thaibebop

[Neeranam]

Wat Nong Waen in Khon Kaen

Wat Thammamankon on Sukhumvit soi 101/1

[thaibebop]

Wat Nong Waen in Khon Kaen

Wat Thammamankon on Sukhumvit soi 101/1

Wow, I have never seen that one before! In Bangkok I take? I love that stepped look to the top, very powerful looking.

[Tilokarat]

Click on the above images for larger views

Chet Yot was built during the reign of King Tilokkarat, whose remains are enshrined in one of the smaller chedi. Literally the "Temple of the Seven Spires," Chet Yot is built in imitation of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, India, where the Buddha reached enlightenment. The architecture is fairly eclectic, incorporating elements of Thai, Lao, Indian, and Chinese design. Visitors should take note of the seventy beautiful thewada bas-reliefs around the base of the temple—a masterpiece of Lanna kingdom art.

In 1477, the temple played host to the 8th world Buddhist council, an ecumenical gathering that sought to clarify certain doctrinal issues. Unfortunately, the records of this proceeding have since been lost. Women visitors should note that only men are permitted to climb on the temple roof!

Here is one of my favourite wats in Chiang Mai, Wat Jet Yod built by King Tilokarat.

[Tilokarat]

And here are two 'Mon' style temples from Lamphun: Wat Haripunchai and Wat Kukut (Cammadevi)

Images of Lamphun

Lamphun can be reached in a little bit more than half an hour from Chiangmai, and makes for a worthy half day trip.

Lamphun was the centre of a small Haripunchai settlement (Mon culture), and remained independent from both the Khmer and the Thais for a considerable time(750-1281)

The main attraction are Wat Phra That Haripunchai and Wat Chama Thewi. The buildings are Haripunchai style and centuries old, though most of it was not built during the Haripunchai area proper, but in later years. Interesting, different style of temple. Both mentioned temples are fairly active and further expanding.

(see thumbnails below).

To enlarge and see slide show click any picture.

1-3. Wat Phra That Haripunchai

4-6. Wat Chama Thewi (Wat Kukut)7.Wat Chama Thewi

8. Festival banners at Wat close to Chiang Mai

9. Monks at work, preparing the grounds for the festival

[Tilokarat]

I was not able to get all of these photos into one reply, which explains the three posts. This one is of the very important Wat Suan Dok in Chiang Mai.

Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai

Ubosot of Wat Suan Dok with Chedi in the background.

[Note: The photos here were taken before a restoration which took place between 2006 and 2007. For more recent photos, see the photo gallery at my Chieng Fa travel journal.]

The 14^th century temple of Wat Suan Dok is located just west of the old city walls on Suthep Road. The temple was built by King Keu Na of Lanna for a revered priest visiting from Sukhothai as a place for the monk to spend the rains retreat. The name of the temple roughly translates to "field of flowers."

Central chedi of Wat Suan Dok.There are several unique features to this temple that you won't see in just about any other wat around Chiang Mai, or even elsewhere in Thailand. One of the first is the temple's large wiharn, or prayer hall. The chapel is unusual not only for its size, but also the fact that it is open on the sides rather than being totally enclosed.

Directly west of the wiharn are several large pagodas, called chedi in Thai. The largest of these is the center of another unusual story. Pagodas will almost always contain Buddhist relics. The biggest and most important chedis will contain a relic of the Buddha himself. In the case of Suan Dok, the largest stupa contained a relic that reputedly self-replicated. One of the relics was placed on the back of a royal white elephant, which was then allowed to wander where-ever it wanted to go.

Reliquaries of the past rulers of Chiang Mai.The elephant eventually came to a stop, and actually died, on Suthep mountain. Chiang Mai's most revered temple, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, was built on the exact spot where the elephant came to rest.

Next to the pagoda is a veritable forest of ornate white-washed reliquaries. This "city of the dead" houses the cremated remains of the rulers of Chiang Mai. Walking among these elaborate monuments, you could easily be reminded of the famous above-ground cemeteries of New Orleans.

Wat Suan Dok is also a temple where you can try to learn more about Buddhism, through their "monk chat" program. At certain times, and on certain days of the week, you can talk with a Buddhist monk. This program is in part a chance for monks to practice their English skills, so don't expect fluent conversation.

Getting There

Wat Suan Dok is located on Suthep road, next to the Hill Tribe Products Promotion Center.

Photo Gallery

For more pictures of Wat Suan Dok, see our online photo gallery. For more recent photos, see the photo gallery at my Chieng Fa travel journal or the images from Flickr below.

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[thaibebop]

Wow, Tilokarat, these are great pictures and of so many temples! Histories included, that is cool. I have heard many good things about Chiang Mai all round and I see that goes for the temples as well.

[jdinasia]

I think I put some pics up in the Photo forum some time back

If Neer can't get the pic of wat thammamonkut up and running I can ride by there tmw .. VERY interesting architecture

[thaibebop]

I think I put some pics up in the Photo forum some time back

If Neer can't get the pic of wat thammamonkut up and running I can ride by there tmw .. VERY interesting architecture

How so and where is it? Do you notice architecture changes in temples as one travels north and south? It seems that way to me, what little I know.

[garro]

Wat Thamkrabok

Edited March 21, 2008 by garro

[thaibebop]

Wat Thamkrabok

Wow! In the second picture what is surrounded by all the Buddhas? Is that the temple or a pagoda? Very impressive looking place. I take it that it is large temple, it's hard to tell from the picture.