Wat Chedi Luang
The original Chedi was constructed in 1391 and by 1475 some expansion to place to it’s current structure. At one point, this Chedi housed the Emerald Buddha for 6 years. In the mid 1500’s an earthquake cause the damage that can be seen today. The original height was 84 meters but the current height after the earthquake is 60 meters. All 4 sides have a grand staircase leading to the top. I particularly liked the stone Naga’s on either side of each staircase. There is a niche that houses a golden Buddha at the top of the staircase. It is quite impressive.
Phra Chao Attarot
Near the brick Chedi at Wat Chedi Luang, there is a viharn. There is a significant Buddha here called Phra Chao Attarot. This Buddha is standing with one hand raised shoulder height, palm facing forward. This is said to be the “Preventing Relatives from fighting Posture.” That’s pretty cool! According to legend, there was once a shortage of water in a river that ran between two small kingdoms. The people from these kingdoms were relatives of Lord Buddha. Because of the shortage of water, the two kingdoms were going to fight for what was remaining. Buddha knew that if he did not do something there would be great bloodshed. So he came to both kingdoms and asked “Which means more to you, water or relatives?” I wonder if this is where the phrase “Blood is thicker that water” came from? The people thought about this statement and decided it was foolish to fight over water. The Buddha’s right hand being up prevents relatives from fighting and also signifies world peace.
Acharn Mun Bhuridatto Viharn
Acharn Mun Bhuridatto was a monk born in 1870. He was famous in Thailand for establishing the Thai Forest Tradition which is a tradition of Buddhist monasticism where monks inhabit remote forest dwellings for meditation. In 1929, he was appointed the Abbot of Chedi Luang. He only served one year when he abruptly after his superior died. He spent most of his life meditating in forests around Thailand and Burma.
This temple on the grounds of Wat Chedi Luang in dedicated to Acharn Mun Bhuridatto.
The City Pillar – Sao Ithakhin
The City Pillar marks the geographical center of Chiang Mai. The small shrine is located on the grounds of Wat Chedi Luang. Legend states:
“Chiang Mai was a town plagued with demons. A hermit asked the god Indra for help and from the heavens came the Inthakin pillar to protect the town and the people from the demons. However, in time the people neglected the pillar and the demons returned and the town was left in ruins. In 1296, King Mengrai chose the site of Chiang Mai to be the new capital of the Lanna kingdom. King Mengrai found the old city pillar amongst the ruins of the town and was told the legend about the demons. He sited the pillar at the geographical centre of the new city in a temple called Wat Sadue Muang. Today, the remains of this temple can be seen within the grounds of the Cultural Hall (just behind the Three Kings Monument) in the old town area of Chiang Mai.”
Every year there is a festival to pay respect to the shrine. The Inthakhin Festival follow the Lunar Calendar but is usually sometime at the end of May or beginning of June. Unfortunately I was not in Chiang Mai during that time.
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