Wat Chiang Man
The temple is the oldest in the city of Chiang Mai, dating back to the city’s founding. In 1839, King Mangrai graciously established it as a royal residence, naming it Wat Chiang Man. He also commissioned the construction of the revered Elephant Chedi within the temple grounds. The temple boasts several remarkable features:
– Main Ubosot (Ordination Hall): Built in the present era, this hall features exquisite gold murals on a red background. These murals depict the history of Chiang Mai’s founding and the temple’s establishment by King Mangrai.
– Small Ubosot (Chedi Chapel): Originally the temple’s main hall, it houses important Buddha images, including the revered Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew) and the Pang Tamnak Chang Nalakiri Buddha. The latter is the city’s guardian Buddha and holds great significance for the people of Chiang Mai.
– Elephant Chedi: This central stupa follows Lanna’s architectural style and stands behind the main ordination hall. Its base is adorned with 16 sculpted stone elephants, influenced by Sukhothai art. The staircase leads to a golden pinnacle, creating an awe-inspiring sight.
Tripitaka Library on Water: This building serves as a repository for sacred scriptures and various texts, following the traditional wisdom of the Lanna region
