SACRED SITES OF THE ANCIENT LANNA THAI KINGDOM OF
NORTHERN THAILAND
SACRED SITES IN LAMPANG
Isolated by mountainous terrain, Lampang is a major city with a rich cultural tradition of its own. Like the capitals of many of the northern principalities, Lampang is an ancient town. According to legend, one of Queen Chamathewi’s sons founded the city in the 9th century and became a Mon tributary state. Lampang was at one time called ‘Klang Nakhon’ or ‘Central City’. Lampang became part of the Lanna Kingdom after its conquest by Phaya Mengrai in the early 12th century.
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Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
The most elegant and best preserved wooden Lanna temple found in Northern Thailand, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, built during the reign of Queen Chamathewi, is believed to be the oldest wooden building in the kingdom.
Relics of Lord Buddha are enshrined in the stupa or phra that. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a holy pilgrimage site for individuals born in the Year of the Ox. The open-sided Viharn Luang, thought to have been built in 1476, houses beautiful and interesting Lanna style mural paintings of the Jataka tales, depicting life stories of the Lord Buddha. The viharn has a triple-tiered wooden roof supported by teak pillars.
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Wat Phra Kaeow Don Tao Suchadaram temple |
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From 1436 – 1468, this royal monastery housed the magnificent Emerald Buddha that is now enshrined at Wat Phra Kaeow, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, in Bangkok. The viharn now houses a large reclining Buddha image. Niches housing Buddha images associated with each day of the week are located in the base of the stupa. A 50-metre high stupa, in which strands of hair taken from the historical Buddha have been enshrined, is situated behind the viharn. The temples carved wooden gable is decorated with stained glass. |
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Wat Chedi Sao temple (Sao Lang Chedi) |
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‘Chedi Sao’ means a temple with 20 Lanna style chedis or stupas. Dating over a thousand years old, the temple features a harmonious blend of Burmese and Lanna architectural styles and is of great historical and archaeological value. Haripunchai-style Buddha amulets were found in the repository in the base of the chedi. Phra Chao Saensaethongkham, a Lanna style Buddha image in the Mara Vijaya (Victory over Mara) pose from the Chiang Saen school is enshrined in the viharn. |
Chedi
The word ‘chedi’ originates from the word ‘cetiya’ in Pali. The chedi, or stupa, is a solid cone-shaped monument. Chedis throughout the Thai kingdom reflect a vast range of architectural styles. Chedis in Northern Thailand are multi-sided and more elaborate, while others take the shape of an inverted bowl or bell-shaped structure. Chedis symbolise the enduring stability of Buddhism.
Many chedis are believed to house holy relics (pieces of bone) of the historical Buddha. In Northern, as well as Northeastern, Thailand, these stupas are called ‘that’ or ‘phra that’.
Viharn
An assembly hall in a Thai temple or a Buddhist chapel that houses Buddha images and mural paintings. The viharn is used for ceremonies involving both monks and lay people.
Ubosoth
An ordination hall or Buddhist chapel where monks are ordained. The ubosoth is situated on holy ground marked by sema stones (temple boundary markers).
Mara
Demon
Contact information:
TAT Northern Office – Region 1
Areas of responsibility: the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lamphun,
Lampang and Mae Hong Son
Tel: 053 248604, 248607 241466
Fax: 053 248605
E-mail: tatchmai@tat.or.th
RELIGIOUS TRAVEL
SACRED PILGRIMAGE SITES
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