Temple in Chiang Mai

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Chiang Mai Temples

The ordination hall and pagoda of Wat Chieng Man, with a naga stair rail in the foreground.

Chiang Mai's temples are perhaps the most interesting of its many attractions. Unlike Bangkok, where few temples are more than 200 years old, some temples in Chiang Mai are as old as the city, which celebrated it's 700^th anniversary in 1996.
The one temple every first-time visitor absolutely, positively must see is the mountain-top Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. The temple is a "must see" not only for its importance as a pilgrimage temple, but also for the outstanding views it affords of the city and its surrounding plain, when the weather cooperates. A trip to the temple is usually combined with a stop at the royal Phu Phing Palace and the Doi Pui Maeo village.
There are, however, many other temples in Chiang Mai worth a visit. Some of these are a bit off the tourist trail, including our favorite, Wat Umong.
Tours to Doi Suthep and many other temples can be booked in advance through our travel partner.

Wat Chedi Luang

In its day, Wat Chedi Luang must have been the most impressive temple in Chiang Mai. Built about 600 years ago, the huge chedi which give the temple its name must have soared high above the surrounding city.

Wat Chiang Man

Probably the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, Wat Chiang Man is located near the Changpuek gate in the city's northern wall.

Wat Chiang Yuan

Although possibly very old, this temple just outside the northern moat was well maintained by the Burmese and Shan communities.

Wat Gate

Its not in any of the major guidebooks, but we think this temple on the east bank of the Ping River is definitely worth a visit. Don't miss the temple's museum, with hundreds of photographs showing life in Chiang Mai as much as a 100 years ago.

Wat Jed Yod

Slightly out of town on the northern loop of the ring road, this late 15^th century temple was built to host the Eighth World Buddhist council. Wat Jed Yod is unlike just about any other Thai temple. Its also next to the National Museum, so you can easily spend an afternoon viewing the temple and the museum.

Wat Lok Moli

An ancient temple just outside the northern moat, this temple was abandoned until recently.

Wat Pan Tao

Next to Wat Chedi Luang is a small interesting temple called Wat Pan Tao, which means "to increase 1,000 times." The temple was built around the same time as Wat Chedi Luang, in the late fourteenth century. It was one of four monastic temples serving the royal temple.

Wat Pa Pao

Its completely overlooked by all the guidebooks, but Wat Pa Pao is a quite unique temple in Chiang Mai.

Wat Pra Sing

Within the walls of the old city, Wat Pra Sing was started in the mid-14^th century. The Buddha image which gives the temple its name is one of the most revered in Northern Thailand.

Wat Saen Fang

A Burmese styled temple with a colorful chedi, located just off Tapae Road between the river and moat.

Wat Srisuphan

Near the center of the silver village just outside the Chiang Mai gate is - what else - the silver temple.

Wat Suan Dok

Just outside of the town walls on Suthep road, Wat Suan Dok is interesting for its large open-air sala and its many reliquaries containing the ashes of Chiang Mai's royal family.

Wat Umong

Chiang Mai's most unusual temple who's main feature is a maze-like system of tunnels.

Map Temple in Chiang Mai

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http://thailandforvisitors.com/north/chiangmai/cm-temps.html

Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai

The fourteenth 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."

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.

History

Wat Suan Dok was founded by King Kue Na of Lanna for the monk Sumana Thera in the year 1370 CE. The temple was built in the centre of Wiang Suan Dok (Thai: เวียงสวนดอก), a walled settlement (Wiang, Thai: เวียง) of the Lawa people older than Chiang Mai itself. The outlines of the fortifications can clearly be traced on satellite images, and remains of some of the earthen walls can still be seen north of Suthep road. King Kue Na's flower garden (Thai: สวนดอกไม้, suan dok mai), which was located here, lent the temple its original name: Wat Buppharam Dok Mai (Thai: วัดบุปผารามดอกไม้), or Wat Suan Dok Mai (Thai: วัดสวนดอกไม้) for short.

According to legend, Maha Sumana Thera, a monk from the Sukhothai Kingdom, after having had a vision discovered a relic of the Buddha which, also according to the same vision, was to be housed in Chiang Mai. Sumana Thera stayed two rainy seasons at Wat Phra Yuen just outside Lamphun at the invitation of King Kue Na while the latter had Wat Buppharam Dok Mai built. When the moment arrived for the relic to be housed in the newly built temple, it miraculously duplicated itself. One of the relics was housed, as intended, in a shrine inside Wat Buppharam Dok Mai, while the other relic was placed on the back of a white elephant which then climbed up Doi Suthep, the mountain directly west of Chiang Mai, where it trumpeted three times and died. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep was built on that spot to house the second relic.

Sights

• The large 48 meter high bell shaped chedi - built in a Sri Lankan style - can be seen from far. The relic of the Buddha is said to be contained within. Stairs on all four sides originally led up to the narrow terrace encircling the chedi but these have since been replaced by ramps, the balusters of which are decorated with seven-headed nāgas emerging from the mouths of makaras, as is typical for the classic Lanna style.
• The large sala kan prian (Thai: ศาลาการเปรียญ, sermon hall) is located directly east of the main chedi. It was built in 1932 by the famous monk Phra Krubra Srivichai, who also had an ubosot built as well as the main chedi restored. The main Buddha statues inside the sala kan prian are placed so that they look out at opposite directions. The statue of the Buddha seated in meditation (Bhumisparsha Mudrā) looks towards the east, whereas the other statue, a standing Buddha holding a bundle of straw, faces west towards the chedi. Placed in front of the seated statue one finds a smaller Buddha in the Lanna style, created during King Kue Na's time. The feet of this statue are unusual in that the toes are - influenced by Sri Lanka - individually formed. Flanking the images are more statues of the Buddha, some of which are from the 1930s.
• The recently renovated ubosot contains a 4.70 m (15.4 ft) high bronze Buddha statue in the Bhumisparsha-Mudra posture, which was caste in 1504 CE during the rule of King Mueang Kaeo. The statue, which carries the name Phra Chao Kao Tue, is remarkable in that the fingers of the Buddha are all of the same length, indicative of influence from Sukhothai, but with robes depicted in the style of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
• A grouping of white washed mausoleums, which house the cremation ashes of members of the royal family of Chiang Mai, is located in the northwestern quarter of the temple grounds. At the beginning of the 20th century, Princess Dara Rasmi, one of the wives of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and daughter of the Lanna king Inthawichayanon, had the ashes collected from around Chiang Mai to be interred at their present setting.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Suan_Dok
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Wat Srisuphan, Chiang Mai

Wat Srisuphan - the Silver Temple

While most of the sights of the silver village are the shops along Wualai Road, there is one attraction that's more spiritual than material. Wat Srisuphan was built in 1502, although little remains of the original temple except the boundary markers (sema stones) around the ordination hall (ubosot). In fact, the chapel is now the focus of renovations that are designed to make it a fitting centerpiece for the silver village it serves. The entire surface of the hall, inside and out, is being covered in silver. The roof is already covered in silver-plated tiles, and on my last visit, they were preparing to cover the exterior walls with beaten silver panels.

A silver panel in the prayer hall.

The work began about four years ago, and will probably take another two years to complete. There's already a fair amount of silver on display at the temple. In the much larger prayer hall (wiharn), the walls are lined with silver panels, mostly depicting scenes from the Buddha's live(s). The wiharn also houses a large and rather elegant Buddha image on its altar. Next to the altar is an old large ornate sort of pulpit, called a busabok.
The temple also hosts a silver-working school, to help ensure that the tradition of the village is passed on. In addition, Wat Srisuphan is one of many temples around Chiang Mai that offers a "monk chat" program, where lay people can come to talk with a monk, whether it's about Buddhism or life as a monk. Monk chat is offered every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. You can also get an introduction to meditation on those same days, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

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History of Sri Suphan Aram

Sri Suphan Aram or Wat Sri Suphan is situated to the south of Chiang Mai town between the outer wall and the inner wall. In the past it was one of the Temples within the juristiction of Wat Nantaram, depending on Wat Muen Sarn.
According to the Ubosot section of Wat Nantaram in the period of Chao Intanon, the 7th King of Chiang Mai in the Kawila period (1871-1897), there were 9 Principal Temples as follows:

1. Wat Muen Sarn, near the Haiya gate outer Chiang Mai town
2. Wat Nantaram, near the Khua Gom Gate, outer Chiang Mai town
3. Wat Phuak Pia, near the Haiya Gate, outer Chiang Mai town
4. Wat (Sri) Suphan, near the Haiya gate, outer Chiang Mai town
5. Wat Hua Fhai, near the Lhai D?ng gate (later on called Ra G?ng), outer Chiang Mai town
6. Wat Yang Guang, near the Khua Gom gate, inner Chiang Mai town
7. Wat Gudeekham, near the Khua Gom gate, inner Chiang Mai town
8. Wat Mueng Marng, near the Lhai D?ng gate, outer Chiang Mai town
9. Wat Dao Wa Dueng ,near the Lhai D?ng gate, outer Chiang Mai town.

1. Wat Sri Suphan in the Mangrai Period

This Temple is an old community which has a history going back to the King Mangrai period. There is a sandstone inscription in the Temple giving the history of Wat Sri Suphan written in the Fhuk Kham script. This states that the Temple was built during the period of Phra Muang K?o (King K?o, 1495-1525). Phra Muang K?o and his mother decided to build Wat Sri Suphan in the year 1500, as can be seen in Wat Sri Suphan’s sandstone inscription, as follows:

(1st engraving) In 1500 the King of Chiang Mai and his mother asked Chao Muen Luang Jha Kham Rang Karn to bring a Buddha image and to put it in the Maha Viharn named Sri Suphan Aram. Later on in the year of turtle, the king invited Maha Therayaan Ton, from Wat Muen Sarn, to be the Abbot in the Temple; in the year of the pig the foundation of the Maha Viharn was celebrated; in the year of the rabbit the stupa for the Buddha relic was built; in the year of the small snake the Ubosot was founded; and then they invited Phra Rachakru to bring Lord Buddha’s relic for the stupa.

From the details in this sandstone inscription it is evident that Wat Sri Suphan was the center of this community and was built in the period of Phra Muang K?o, in the golden age of Lanna following the period of King Tilokarat (1441-1487) and King Chiang Rai (1487-1495). At that time there were many paddy fields and 20 households given for the support of Wat Sri Suphan, and so began this Temple.

2. Wat Sri Suphan in the King Kawila Period

In 1774 Phaya Ja Baan (Boonma), King Kawila and his brothers joined the Thonburi army and drove the Burmese out of Chiang Mai. In 1781, during the Ratanakosin period, King Kawila was appointed as the head of Chiang Mai town.

At that time the authorities moved people to repopulate the town, which had stood empty after being sacked by the Burmese. They moved those who were skilled in silverwork into the Wat Muen Sarn and Wat Sri Suphan area, making a new community in that area.
All these people came from the Kong river area near Chiang Rai, as indeed did the monks. Later on they made a list of all Temples in Chiang Mai, and they put Wat Sri Suphan in the Kong sect. This is why people in the community are known as Kong Nam Ha.

In the period of King Kawilorot (1856-1870), the King together with his wife Chao Usa, built the golden bell and had it brought to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It appears that the old Viharn, before the renovations (1994-1998) was built in the period of King Kawilorot.

3. Wat Sri Suphan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries

In the period of King Kawilorot and King Intayanon (1856-1876), Wat Sri Suphan, Kong sect had Chao Atikarn Tu Sithi as the Abbot and deputy was Tu Inthajak.

In the late 19th century Wat Sri Suphan was still a center for learning in the community. The local people brought their children to ordain and study there until they had a chance to become monks. When they had finished their duties they would then return back to their community.

At the beginning of this period the monks would still act as teachers in the Temple, using the hall as a classroom, but in 1921 the Education Act called for boys and girl to study in state-run schools.

In 1923 Khun Janya, the education officer of Chiang Mai, joined with Wat Sri Suphan when Phra Inta Tammawong was the Abbot, to create a primary school in the Temple with the help of various well-wishers.

4. Wat Sri Suphan during World War II

There are people in the Wat Sri Suphan community who can still remember what happened during World War II between 1941-1945. They recall that in 1941 Wat Sri Suphan still had monks and a couple of novices. At that time Phra Maha Kham was the Abbot, but he was soon evacuated to Baan M? Khanoi and only came to visit the Temple occasionally.

During World War II the Japanese used the Temple as a military camp. There were plenty of Japanese soldiers, and also captives who were kept inside a bamboo enclosure. In front of the Temple near the outer wall was a stable for horses and a distribution center for the soldiers.

At that time the Wat Sri Suphan school had to close because the Japanese took charge of the Temple. During this period the Viharn was destroyed by allied bombing, and the people had to build their own shelters. Many of the students had to move to Wat Sri Ping Muang school.

After the end of World War II the Temple was run down and covered with weeds and bamboo, and there were crows and other birds making their nests in the Temple. At that time Wat Sri Suphan had only 2 monks and 3 novices, but the faithful lay people and monks started to make a new Temple wall with two halls still standing in the grounds.
When the school reopened the students used the hall for their studies until a simple one-storey building was put up.

5. Wat Sri Suphan after World War II

In 1963 when Phra Kru Sathid Boonyanan was the Abbot and Kru Auen Klangwichien was the Headmaster, the school was brought under the jurisdiction of the Chiang Mai municipality, and at that time they received the money to build a two-storey building, which was finished in 1964, and again in 1975-1977 the school was expanded to three storeys.
The school is in the Temple, and uses the colours of yellow to represent the Temple and red to represent the nation. Many of the former students have been successful in their life and works, and were able to go on to higher education.

A number have become government officers and are working in the community, while some took up silverwork, working at home or in the surrounding communities such as Kampan-Boonyuen Mekbangwan, Duanrit-Prapai Chaiwut, Boonsong-Buakham Jaingarm and the Chiang Mai Silver Shop.

6. Wat Sri Suphan in the 1990s

In 1991 the silver community around the Wualai road on Baan Wualai and Wat Sri Suphan received an important job, making a Silver Bowl to commemorate Princess Theparat Ratchasuda’s 36th anniversary on 2nd April 1991. This helped in the recovery of the silver craftsmen on Waulai road.

Again in 1992 there was the Queen’s 60th anniversary and they made a Silver Bowl with 109 cms. diameter, the base having four elephant heads carved with teak, and covered with gold leaf, which was presented to Her Majesty at her palace in Chiang Mai.

In 1996 there was a 50th year anniversary ceremony for the King’s ascension to the throne; and in the same year the 700th year anniversary of the founding of Chiang Mai. Palakorn Suwannarat, the governor of Chiang Mai governer prepared another Siver Bowl having 139 cms. diameter, 69 cms. height and 199 cms. circumference, which was coated with gold leaf and decorated with lotuses.

The silver craftsmen who created these elaborate works were all proud of their work and it gave them the courage to keep up their handicraft work, even up and till the present day.

7. Wat Sri Suphan at Present

In 1992 Phra Atikarn Suphol Sutthisilo (born 1962, later appointed as Phra Kru Pitak Sutthikhun), who was previously the deputy Abbot at Wat Sri Suphan replaced Phra Kru Sathit Boonyanan, who passed away in 1993.

Because of the history of the Temple and its involvement in the community, Phra Atikarn managed to get a lot of cooperation from the local people, as well as from local governmental organisations, acadamies, business people, and other upstanding members of the community to join him in preserving the heritage of Wat Sri Suphan, and the community in the area by various works, such as:

1) Renovation of the Viharn

A major renovation of the Viharn happened during King Kawilorot (1856-1870). The evidence shows that he and his wife, Chao Usa, had the initiative to renovate the Viharn in 1860, and had a golden bell made that now stands in front of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Between 1994-1998 the committee of Wat Sri Suphan, with the support of the Abbot Phra Atikarn Suphol Sutthisilo, renovated the Viharn one more time after receiving contributions from people around Phra Viharn.

The paintings in the Viharn are by the artist Chaiporn Pongpak, and impress people both in Chiang Mai itself and the foreigners who visit the Temple, with their beautiful light and colors, which harmonizes with the work of the silver craftsmen, which also adorn the walls.
He was helped by Pornchai Chaima and Sondej Thipthong, who form a group of Buddhist Lanna Artists who began working together in 1992, and have worked together by painting in many Temples such as Wat Bupparam (Tha P? road), Wat Sri Maram (Baan Mon, Sankamp?ng) and Wat Tha Kham (Tambon M? Heay).

In 1994 the Buddhist Lanna Artists group volunteered to paint inside the Viharn of Wat Sri Suphan. They joined together with Sachiko (a Japanese artist), Peter (an Australian artist), Roland (an English art student), Gularp (a Canadian having a Thai name), Mali (an American having a Thai name) and her family. M.D. Anand Sritapan provided the financial support for the complete costs of the painting, and the silver craftsmen, who were led by Direk Sithikarn.

2) The Making of Phra Chao

The year 2000 saw the 500th year anniversary of Wat Sri Suphan, and the committee, together with the Abbot, organised a festival to celebrate 500 years of Lanna Heritage during 29-31 March 2000, making a new Buddha Statue (Phra Chao) with the support of the local people.

3) Creating an Education Center

The primary school at Sri Suphan was started in 1923 by Khun Janya. In 1998 informal education began in the Temple and later this was turned into a learning center.
The Abbot gave one area of the Temple for the learning center for people who are interesting in silverwork and created special activities for them. Later on that expanded to become a learning center for ancient Thai Art.

The National Buddhist Office and the Kanchanapisek Learning Center have helped the center become a very successful place where monks, novices and local people can learn the local handicrafts. It is now popular with many people both from home and abroad.
The Abbot also discussed with some knowledgeable people and made the Phra Pikkanet (Ganesh) statue as he is the patron of skilled workers, and they established it between the Scripture House and the Ubosot in April 2007.

There is also a Buddhist Education Center in Wat Sri Suphan every Sunday, which is administered by one Abbot who worked at Wat Suan Dok for a while.

4) Economic Activities in Wualai Road

In 2002 the community at Wualai 3. Wat Sri Suphan, Wat Muan Sarn and Wat Nantaram participated in and organised various cultural and economic activities on 6th-7th December; and again on 3th-4th January, 2003 at Wat Nantaram.

Boonlert Buranapakorn, the Governor of Chiang Mai, organised another occasion on 15-16 March, 2002. There is now a Saturday Market every week where people can buy goods produced by local craftsmen, which is supported by the Governor.

5) Renovation on Phra Ubosot

The first Ubosot was built in the period of Phra Muang K?o. Over the course of history the Ubosot was renovated many times. The last major renovation was in 1860 during King Kawilorot, but it had quite deteriorated in the meantime.

In 2004 the committee of Wat Sri Suphan, supported by the Abbot, agreed to renovate the Ubosot again by using skilled local craftsmen so it will become the first Silver Ubosot in the world.

During the 80th anniversary of the King Rama IX in 2007, the Committee of Wat Sri Suphan and the Abbot agreed to present this Silver Ubosot to the King to honor his anniversary.
Since then the Crown Prince has honored Wat Sri Suphan by giving permission to place a photo of the King in front of the Silver Ubosot on 20 March, 2009, the 60th anniversary of his ascension to the throne; and in 2010 Wat Sri Suphan had the honor of the King holding the Kathina at the Temple on 13 November.

The Vision of Sri Suphan Temple 

By Ven. Phra Kru Pitak Suddhikhun

Abbot of Srisuphan Temple

Our Vision:
A commitment to sustain Buddhism, its culture and traditions in conjunction with the development of a local education center and a sustainable economic community.

History:
According to the inscriptions found locally on Red Sandstone, King Muang Kæw (1495–1525) of the Mangrai dynasty and his mother ordered a military offical called Khun Luang Jha Kham to bring a Buddha statue to this place and they built a Temple in the year 1500 CE. In ancient times the Temple was called Sri Suphan Aram.
Later, the Vihara, Chedi and Ubosot were built in that order and were completed around ten years later. All the buildings together with the surrounding areas and twenty families were given to take care of the Temple.

Present:
Sri Suphan Temple has been a vast source of knowledge concerning the art, culture, education and handicrafts, including lost-wax casting and silverwork, from the past until the present.
There is still a living culture regarding these handicrafts, but knowledge about statue-casting, silverwork and other handicrafts are in danger these days owing to the changing times and there are not many people to whom this knowledge is being passed on.
Ven. Phra Kru Pitak Suddhikhun, the Abbot since 1992 of Sri Suphan Temple, and the Committee of Sri Suphan are well aware of the problems and intend to preserve and maintain the heritage passed down in the culture from their predecessors.
Therefore they have outlined many activities that are needed to lead to the vision, mission and objectives of the Temple. They are supported by the Sangha in Chiang Mai, and also by the National Buddhism Office, the Government and by the private sector who appreciate the local culture and knowledge especially in regard to Lanna craftsmanship at Sri Suphan Temple.



Current Tasks, Activities & Projects:

1. To sustain the propagation of the Dhamma, the traditions and local culture by playing a critical role as a Temple in the local community.

2. To encourage and collaborate with the Education system under the Royal Act on Education in 1998.

3. To maintain and promote indigenous silver handicrafts.

We propose to support these aims as follows:

• Establish a group of craftsmen trained in the Lanna traditions at Sri Suphan Temple (ongoing from 2000 CE – Present).
• Establish a study center for ancient Lanna Arts at Sri Suphan Temple.
• Establish a distribution center for the products produced at the Sri Suphan community. The Community was selected by a Government scheme to promote local production. This effectively generates income for the local people.
• Hold a Saturday Market on the nearby Wualai Road with the collaboration of the Sri Suphan, Wat Muean Sarn and Wat Nantaram communities. This is supported by the Chiang Mai Municipality. These events have rapidly helped to build up economic development in the community.
• Build a Silver Ubosot at Sri Suphan Temple, dedicated to promoting the dispensation of the Buddha and glorifying His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the anniversary of his 84th birthday. The decoration is made with silver and aluminum handicrafts, a heritage that has been passed down from our predecessors over the past 200 years. The original Ubosot was a brick structure plastered with cement. The dimension of the new Ubosot is 50m long, 17m wide and 18m high, and is in traditional Lanna style. The renovation of this building has been going on since the year 2005, and so far (2010) 12 million baht have been spent, and the progress of the work is about 60 percent complete. An additional 13 million baht will be needed to complete the renovation.
• Monk Chat and Meditation Programs provided to foreigners so they can learn the Buddha’s teaching and get advice from monks for beginning meditation. Currently the program is available three days a week, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (Monk Chat is from 5.30pm – 7.00pm and Meditation is from 7.00pm – 9.00pm).
• A Learning Center for silver handicrafts and Lanna folk art (this initiative has yet to start).

The projects are based on the doctrine and discipline in Buddhism, integrated with the King’s philosophy of economic sufficiency to achieve the sustainability of the Buddha’s dispensation, local communities and the country.

The Result over the Past 10 Years:

Even though there is a change in development that has contributed to a positive outcome for the community, the approach has not yet lead to the achievement of all our goals on each project as expected. There are various obstacles that have been encountered, which we can list as follows:

1. Social problems such as varieties of nationality, conflicts of interest, competition, non-cooperation, a lack of self-sacrifice and so on.
2. Insufficient liquidity to run the projects. The fund is fluctuating and relies only on donors. The projects are not firmly established and remuneration is unpredictable, making it difficult to proceed.
3. A lack of awareness about our cultural heritage and local knowledge, and a lack of motivation.
4. A lack of good public relations with the public in terms of communicating our objectives.

Such problems and obstacles have been encountered, but Sri Suphan Temple and those who are involved have been seeking a solution to these problems and making efforts to overcome them. However, to achieve the task they need support from the Government, the private sector and those who appreciate the local culture and knowledge, by participation at all levels to achieve our objectives together so as to sustain the Lanna traditions and keep alive the dispensation of the Buddha, and to glorify our King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty.

Silver Ubosot: Innovative Folk art and Creative Silver Handicrafts

Concept/Background:
With the integration of the dispensation of the Buddha and the local Wualai Silver Handicrafts, the heritage which has been passed down from our forefathers over the past 200 years. This gives even more value to the project to rebuild the Ubosot that housed the Buddha statue offered by King Muang Kæo since the year 1500.

Determination:
To be the first religious building built with fine silver and aluminium handicrafts in the world, dedicated to promoting the dispensation of the Buddha and to glorify His Majesty, King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty.

Construction:
Restoration of the building from the base of the original Ubosot to the boudaries established for the monks’ disciplinary actions.  The dimension of the rebuilt Ubosot is 50m long, 17.50m wide and 18m high, and it is being built in traditional Lanna style.



Art:
The artistic embellieshments of the Temple are being prepared by a group of craftsmen trained in the ancient Lanna traditions at Sri Suphan Temple, and also in the local Wualai Silver handicrafts community.

Decoration:
With the skill of the Wualia Silver craftsmen the decoration is being made with silver and aluminium decorating the roof and the walls, both of the inside and outside.

Time:
The building commenced in 2005, and has been going on ever since. Completion is expected to be around the year 2015, if other factors allow.

Budget:
The budget is set at 25 million baht and so far the progress of the work is about 65 percent complete.  An additional 12 million baht will be needed to complete the renovation.

Expectancy:
The Silver Ubosot to expected to become a treasure of the Thai nation and the dispensation of the Buddha through the contributions coming from the Government, the private sector and all Buddhists who participate in building this Ubosot and glorifying His Majesty, King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty.

Monk chat

Dhamma talk
we would like to invite all people who interesting on December,31,2011,begin 7.00 p.m.- 9.30 p.m.we will set up special program of dhamma talk and meditation practice, the topic of dhamma talk is ‘The buddha and his teaching” to help you and your problem. every one can join to listening and ask to question.

following to program
1. To listening the dhamma talk “The buddha and his teaching” 7.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m.
2. Quiz 8.00 p.m.- 8.30 p.m.
3. To practice meditation 8.30 p.m. – 9.00.p.m.

 

 

http://watsrisuphan.com/en/category/1-about-wat-sri-suphan/

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Wat Saen Fang, Chiang Mai

Wat Saen Fang

Along Tapae Road, you'll notice a pair of nagas (dragon-like serpents) lining a narrow lane. Following the lane away from the busy street will take you to the quiet compound of Wat Saen Fang.
The temple displays many Burmese details, such as in the shape of the highly decorated chedi with its rainbow of mirroed tiles, or the guardians on the roof of the ordination hall (ubosot). The prayer hall (wiharn) sports an intricately carved front painted in bright red and gold. Behind the wiharn is a large rambling building where the monks are quartered.


On the other side of the chedi from the wiharn are several smaller chapels as well as the unusual ubosot. The ordination hall is raised high on a stone platform. Its roof is lined with a large number of doll-like guardian spirits.

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Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai

Wat Phra Singh

Within the walls of the ancient city are several old temples of interest. Among them, Wat Phra Singh is perhaps the largest and most interesting, although it may not seem so at first glance. Upon entering the main gate, you're greeted by a large and dusty parking area. Across the lot is a large wiharn (prayer hall) with an intricately carved front. This is your first clue that there's more here than there might appear.
The altar at right is the one inside the large chapel. It's beautiful, though rather standard for Thai temples these days. We were somewhat amused by the plethora of "account books" strewn about on the right side of the altar (behind the columns in the picture we're afraid). In any temple that gets visitors, there is almost always a donation box with a guest book for you to write your name and amount donated in. Well, in this temple there were at least half a dozen boxes, each with a different purpose - maintenance of the temple building, electricity, taxes, etc. - and so each with its own account book. Upon making a donation to one or more purpose, you then have to scrabble around for the proper book to write it down in.

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As you face the big wiharn, to your right is a small elaborate ho trai (library) built on a high stone base. The base has many beautiful carvings which have recently been renovated, as have the gilded carvings on the gable ends. Continuing on around the complex in a counter-clockwise direction, you'll find a drum tower set in a yard shaded by many old trees. Sometimes there's an artist or two at work here, and selling their work of course.

Directly behind the large prayer hall is a smaller building that serves as the temple's ordination hall (ubosot). This is where young monks are ordained and some other important religious events are held. The wooden building shelters a large brick and plaster altar, that I suspect pre-dates the outer building and was originally out in the open. The clues to this are the altar's shape and the fact that it sits in the middle of the building rather than at one end. The orientation of the entrances on a north - south axis rather than east - west is another clue. Like the library, the ubosot has recently been restored.


Next to the ubosot, in a line with the wiharn, is a large whitewashed pagoda (chedi). Next to it is a small but very ornate Wiharn which is worth a closer look. The outside is decorated in gold and ochre in a style which is ornate but without the gaudiness of many other temples.
The decoration inside is also quite rich. There is a brocade-like gold and red pattern on parts of the roof and back wall behind the altar. On the altar here (and not on the altar of the main wiharn) sits the Phra Singh Buddha image from which the temple takes its name. "Phra" is Thai for a priest or cleric and also used to refer to Buddha images. "Singh" means lion, but may be a corruption of the Thai word for Sri Lanka, where the image is supposed to come from.

Wat Phra Singh was founded in the 14^th century to enshrine the ashes of King Kam Fu.
From Wat Phra Singh, you might want to go on to Wat Chedi Luang, which is just a short walk away. Another important temple within the walls is the oldest: Wat Chieng Man. It's another short walk away, near the Chang Puak gate and the Thai Airways ticket office.

Location

Wat Phra Singh is located in the western part of the old city centre of Chiang Mai, which is contained within the city walls and moat. The main entrance, which is guarded by Singhs (lions), is situated at the end of the main street (Rachadamnoen road) of Chiang Mai. The road runs east from the temple, via Tapae Gate, to the Ping River.

Notability

The temple houses an important Buddha statue: the Phra Buddha Sihing which gives the temple its name. The origins of this statue are unknown but, according to legend, it was based on the lion of Shakya, a statue since lost which used to be housed in the Mahabodhi Temple of Bodh Gaya (India). The Phra Buddha Sihing statue is supposed to have been brought, via Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka), to Ligor (present day Nakhon Si Thammarat and from there, via Ayutthaya, to Chiang Mai. There are two more Buddha statues in Thailand which are claimed to be the Phra Buddha Sihing: one is housed in Wat Phra Mahathat in the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat and another in the Bangkok National Museum.

It is alleged that the head of the statue had been stolen in 1922. The possibility remains that the present statue (or maybe only the head) is a copy.
Every year, during the Songkran festival, the statue is taken from Wihan Lai Kham and carried through the streets of Chiang Mai in a religious procession during which the spectators honour the statue by sprinkling water over it.

History

Construction on Wat Phra Singh began in 1345 when King Phayu, the fifth king of the Mangrai dynasty, had a chedi built to house the ashes of his father King Kham Fu. A wihan and several other buildings were added a few years later and the resulting complex was named Wat Lichiang Phra. When, in 1367, the statue of Phra Buddha Singh was brought to the temple, the temple complex received its present name. During restoration works in 1925, three funerary urns were discovered inside a small chedi. It was assumed that these contained royal ashes. The urns have since been lost. From 1578 to 1774 the Burmese ruled Lanna and in this period the temple was abandoned and came under serious disrepair. It was only when King Kawila assumed the throne as King of Chiang Mai in 1782, that the temple was restored. King Kawila had the ubosot built and the chedi enlarged. Later successors restored the Wihan Lai Kham and the elegant Ho Trai (temple library).
The whole temple complex underwent extensive renovations under the famous monk Khru Ba Srivichai during the 1920s. Many of the buildings were again restored in 2002.

Sights

• Wihan Luang - the original wihan was replaced by the present building in 1925.
• Wihan Lai Kham - this wihan is the main attraction of the complex. It was built in 1345 to house the Phra Buddha Singh statue and it is a prime example of classical Lanna architecture. The murals of the wihan are also highly remarkable. The murals on the left show the history of Songthong and on the right the history of Suwanna Hongse.
• Ubosot - built in 1806, it contains two entrances: a south entrance for monks and a north entrance for nuns. It is as such a song sangha ubosot ('song' meaning 'two' in Thai). The building houses a mondop with the Phrachaotongtip Buddha statue, a smaller version of the Phra Buddha Sihing and it is therefore also known as Phrasingha noi ('noi' meaning 'small' in Thai). The northern end of the wihan, near the entrance for the nuns, contains a copy of the Emerald Buddha.
• Ho Trai - the temple library is another prime example of classical Lanna architecture and it is one of the most beautiful temple libraries in Thailand. The guards, flanking the stairs, consist of lions emerging from the mouths of a Makara, a mythical water creature. This combination is rarely seen elsewhere.
• The Phrathatluang - each side of the square base of the main chedi of the complex features the front half of an elephant emerging from it. After it was built in 1345, the chedi was enlarged several times.
• The Kulai chedi - this small square based chedi, built as a pagoda with five tiered roofs by King Mueangkaeo (1495-1525), is connected to Wihan Lai Kham by a short tunnel which is not opened to visitors. When the chedi was restored under King Dharmalanka (1813-1822), a golden box containing ancient relics was found. After the works were completed, the box and its contents were placed once more inside the chedi.

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  Murals inside Wihan Lai Kham
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  Murals inside Wihan Lai Kham
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  Murals inside Wihan Lai Kham
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Wat Pa Pao, Chiang Mai

Wat Pa Pao

The chedi and 'flag tower' of the temple.

A Burmese styled outdoor alter in front of the prayer hall.

Its completely overlooked by all the guidebooks, but Wat Pa Pao is a quite unique temple in Chiang Mai. Its not as ancient as many of the temples of the city. It was built late in the nineteenth century by the Thai Yai community, an ethnic group originating in the Shan States of Burma. The temple stills sits in small grove of the pao trees that gave the temple its name.
In 1891, King Inthawichayanon ordered the construction of the chedi and a wooden wiharn. The wiharn has been replaced by an unusual stone one. Everything is in the distinctive Burmese style similar to what can be seen in Mae Hong Son.
The temple is still the center of the Thai Yai community in Chiang Mai. On important Buddhist holidays, it will take on a fair like atmosphere, with food stalls and other vendors.
The architectural uniqueness of the temple insures that it gets a steady stream of art and architecture students sketching it, but aside from these it doesn't get many other visitors

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Wat Pan Tao, Chiang Mai

The elegant wooden wiharn of the temple.

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Next to the well known temple of Wat Chedi Luang is a small interesting temple called Wat Pan Tao, which means "to increase 1,000 times." The temple was built around the same time as Wat Chedi Luang, in the late fourteenth century. It was one of four monastic temples serving the royal temple next door.
The temple's most interesting feature is its wooden wiharn, a chapel for lay people to pray in. The teak building was moved to the temple grounds in 1875 by King Inthawichayanon. It was formerly a royal residence, but the practice in Lanna was for each new king to built a new palace. The old palaces were often 'recycled' into other uses, especially in temples.

A "dhamma casket" holding Buddhist scriptures.

Over the main entry door on the east end of the chapel is a large gilded wood carving depicting a peacock flanked by several other animals, some of which are mythical. The peacock was the symbol of the kings of Chiang Mai; this carving has appeared on stamps and other materials celebrating Chiang Mai's 700^th anniversary.
Within the wiharn are several interesting old artifacts, such as the dhamma casket shown. The ancient wooden box holds Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaves. A few sample 'books' are usually on display above the casket. The caskets are finished in black lacquer decorated with gold leaf. (When I re-visited the chapel in August 2007, the box wasn't there, but it may have just been moved temporarily)
Also on display is a tall pulpit-like stand, ornately carved and gilded. These structures, known as a busbok, are not used by priests, but are usually used to house important Buddha images.
The hall is also decorated with several tung prayer flags. Along one side is a platform for the monks to use during prayers, with all the priestly paraphernalia on display.

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Wat Lok Moli, Chiang Mai

Wat Lok Moli

The new prayer hall in front of the old chedi.

Across the moat on the northern edge of town is a 'new' temple based around an old temple dating back to the fourteenth century. A new elegant wooden prayer hall (wiharn) has been built, along with several quarters for monks.

The ancient sixteenth century chedi.

The original Wat Lok Moli was built in 1397. It was probably a royal temple, since the northern side of the city was a royal precinct at the time. The massive square chedi was built in 1541 to house the ashes of King Phra Muang Ked, who was assassinated. The ashes of his queen were also added to the burial chamber when she died.

Detail of the burial chamber of the chedi.

The chedi is in a remarkably good state given its long period of neglect. The temple probably fell into disuse during the Burmese occupation, which started in 1556. In particular, the burial chamber, sporting niches on the four sides and guarded by angels at the corner, is in relatively good shape.
The chedi and the brick base of the ordination hall (ubosot) is all that is left of the original temple.

The new prayer hall with the chedi behind.

The temple's 'resurrection' began in 2003 with the construction of a new wooden prayer hall (wiharn). The wiharn is build in traditional style, with turned wooden spindles forming the grilles on the windows. The columns of the interior are finished with a rich ochre lacquer.
A wall seperates the temple from the now busy street bordering the moat, and a huge ornate gateway was being completed in mid-2004 to provide a formal entrance to the temple grounds.




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Wat Jed Yod, Chiang Mai

Wat Jed Yod

Wat Jed Yod is probably one of the least visited major temples. Jet Yod translates to "seven peaks" and refers to the seven chedis which top a structure in the temple complex (left). It's a very unusual - for Thailand - temple building. That's because it's a copy, sort of, of the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya in India. It was built in the 15^th century to host the Eighth World Buddhist Council. Nobody seems to know the results of the council, but the temple remains. There's an uninviting cave-like hall in the rectangular base of the structure supporting the seven chedi, while a more typical modern wiharn stands in front of the old monument.

Of more interest is the exterior, on which several sculpted figures survive. Whilst many parts are missing, you can still see some finely detailed figures. The whole is unusually asymmetrical, with the figures on one side seated, while those on the other are standing.
The photo on the right shows a close-up of a standing figure, in which you can see some of the fine detail of the clothing, headdress, and even a very large flower shaped earring. On the left is a full view of a seated figure. The hands are missing, but most of the rest is still there. [Note that you can click on the images to see a much larger version.]

Several other interesting chedis dot the grounds of this rather large temple. An empty platform is directly in front of the entrance to the "cave." Directly behind are two more chedi (right). One of them, presumably the larger, contains the remains of the king who built the temple.
The whole place was rather empty, and this on a weekend when the rest of Chiang Mai was crowded with many Thai and foreign tourists for a long weekend. There weren't even many monks to be seen around the place, though one young novice stood watch to the entrance of the cave. I noticed some tiny earphones from a CD player in his ears as I walked past. Funny, I don't recall a walkman being among the eight basic possessions allowed to a Buddhist monk.

Further on is another chedi, in front of which is a very large ancient platform, which now has a small, obviously modern building on it. In the picture at left you can also see some of the many large trees which shade much of the temple grounds.
Unlike many of Chiang Mai's other large temples, Wat Jed Yod is seldom visited by tourists. Its an interesting and quiet place to spend some time away from the crowds that you'll find in most other places in Chiang Mai.

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Wat Gate, Chiang Mai

Wat Gate

The temple's imposing chedi.

You won't find it in any of the current popular guidebooks, but Wat Gate (or more properly Wat Gatekaram) is a temple we think is well worth a visit. Located on the east bank of the Ping River, across from Chiang Mai's city center, the temple is now at the center of a very rich historical district full of designer boutiques and some of Chiang Mai's most pleasant restaurants.
The origins of the temple are a bit murky, but it now seems to be agreed that it was founded around 1428, about 150 years after Chiang Mai's founding. The banks of the river in front of the temple served as the 'port' of Chiang Mai up until the railroad came to town early in the twentieth century. Since Chiang Mai was the center for teak and other commodities, as well as the main gateway to move goods to the southern provinces, the district became the center for foreigners coming to Chiang Mai to trade. This explains the many building styles along Charoen Rat Road around Wat Gate, reflecting Chinese, Portuguese and Indian influences.
At the center of the temple is the large chedi, capped by an elegant bell-shaped finial covered in bronze tiles oxidized to various shades of blue and green. The corners of the chedi are guarded by imposing garudas decorated with multi-colored mirrored tiles.

The temple's ordination hall (ubosot), with its unusual sculpted exterior.

East of the chedi is the small and very distinctive ordination hall (ubosot). The stairs to the main entrance are guarded by coiled nagas sporting huge horns. Beside the doors, lion dogs have been sculpted into plaster panels, giving the facade a rather surreal look. Along either side, the intricately carved window frames feature panels of different animals from the Chinese zodiac under each window.

The rare five-gabled prayer hall (wiharn).

The temple's large main prayer hall (wiharn) is equally unusual. The most notable feature is the roof, which has no less than five gables. Most temple buildings have only three gables. Five is quite rare. The high balustrade on the front stairs also sports some very viscous looking nagas. The back of the wiharn is decorated with a mirrored tile tree similar to many Lao temples.
Beyond the wiharn is an old building now housing the Wat Gate Museum. Its a very interesting eclectic collection that is one of our favorites.

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Wat Chiang Yuan, Chiang Mai

Wat Chiang Yuan

The chedi of Wat Chiang Yuan.

Front of the temple's prayer hall.

A short way off the busy road along the northern moat is Wat Chiang Yuan. The temple appears to date from the earliest period of Chiang Mai. It was the custom for the kings of Chiang Mai to spend some time here before being crowned.
The temple was one of the few maintained by the Burmese during their 200 year occupation of Chiang Mai, and most of the structures seen in the temple today date from the Burmese period. The temple was undergoing reconstruction in mid 2004 to restore some of its former glory.
The main feature of the temple is the rather squat white chedi with golden details. The corners are guarded by Shan styled lion dogs.

Close-up of the prayer hall doors.

To the east of the chedi is the main prayer hall (wiharn). The entrance is guarded by two naga serpents laid along the stairway. The bright red doors to the wiharn are decorated with gold leaf 'angels'. The wiharn walls on either side of the doors are decorated with colorful paintings of the Buddha's life.
Further east from the wiharn are some modern school buildings, attached to the temple. Beyond the school rooms is an elaborate iron gate, while behind one of the buildings is a couple of unique buildings built by the Burmese.

http://thailandforvisitors.com/north/chiangmai/chiangyuan/index.html

Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai

Wat Chiang Man

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Located within the walls of the old city, near the Chang Puak gate, Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. It was supposedly built by the founder of the city 700 years ago, King Mengrai, on the spot where he stayed while planning his new capital. It's a small temple, and not on the main tourist trail, but it was important for quite some time.

Several small buildings dot the temple compound, and behind the main prayer hall is a chedi. The base of the pagoda is lined with elephants crafted out of plaster. All the other buildings are finely decorated in the Northern style, with red lacquer, gold leaf and many-colored mirrors. Of special interest is the roof and stairs of the Wiharn to the right of the main chapel which houses two sacred Buddha images. The stair banisters are colorful naga dragons typical of the North. The roof gable-ends also forms beautiful nagas using colored glass and mirror tiles.

Plan of Wat Chiang Man

There are two images housed in the wiharn to the right of the main prayer hall. The wiharn itself appears to have been constructed around a sort of traditional Northern-style prang which houses the images. One image is a marble bas-relief Buddha supposed to have come from Sri Lanka 2,000 years ago. The second image is a crystal Buddha from Lopburi, and is thought to be about 1,800 years old.

Window detail on the main prayer hall

While looking at the images, you might notice the system of pipes, a pump and a basin at the side of the altar. These are used to bathe the images in an annual ritual around the Thai New Year (Songkran).
The windows of the main prayer hall are also worth a close look. The frames are tiled with colored mirrors while the shutters for the windows sport gold leaf stencil patterns on both sides of the red lacquer panels.
Beside the pagoda is the temple's library (ho trai), and next to that is the ordination hall (ubosot). The ubosot is usually closed to the public, but on one side of the porch you can see a stone tablet. It dates from the late sixteenth century and recounts the founding of Chiang Mai by King Mengrai in the thirteenth century. There's a copy of the stele in the Chiang Mai Art & Culture Center just a short walk away, near the Three Kings Monument in the

History

Wat Chiang Man was built in 1297 CE as the first temple of Chiang Mai on the location of Wiang Nopburi, a fortified town of the Lawa people which had been used by King Mangrai as a camp during the construction of his new capital city Chiang Mai.^[1]

Sights

• Chedi Chang Lom - the 'Elephant Chedi' is the oldest construction within the temple complex. The square base supports a second level which has the front half of 15 life-sized brick-and-stucco elephants emerging from it. The elephants seem to carry the upper levels of the building on their backs. The gilded upper part of the chedi contains a bell shaped relic chamber directly underneath the pinnacle.
• Main Wihan - the larger of the two wihans was renovated in the 1920s by the famous monk Khru Ba Srivichai. The building houses a large mondop structure for an altar surrounded by Buddha statues. One of the standing Buddha's has the year 1465 CE engraved on its base, which would make it the oldest statue of the Lanna Kingdom. It is also the oldest statue of Thailand which shows the Buddha with an alms bowl. The façade of the wihan features gilded carvings of Kirthimukha in between flower and plant motives.
• New Wihan - the smaller of the two wihans houses two important statues of the Buddha which, due to their protective powers, are regarded as the Palladium statues of Chiang Mai:
  • The Phra Sae Tang Khamani is also known as the 'Phra Kaew Khao' or 'Crystal Buddha'. This 10cm tall statue is carved out of a clear quartz crystal. According to Oliver Hargreave^[2], the statue was crafted around 200 CE for King Ramraj of Lopburi and brought to the Hariphunchai Kingdom (present day Lamphun) by Queen Jamadevi in 662 CE. It was only transferred to Chiang Mai by King Mangrai in 1296 after he had conquered Lamphun. As it survived the pillaging of that city, the statue is thought to protect against disasters. However, Carol Stratton^[3] dates the statue as having been created in the 15th century based on its style characteristics. The gold covered wooden base and golden canopy are later additions donated by King Inthawichayanon of Chiang Mai in 1874. Together they contain more than 6 kg of gold.
  • The Phra Sila statue is a stone stele depicting a standing Buddha whilst taming the elephant 'Nalagiri' in bas-relief. It probably originates from Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka) and might date from either the 8th or 10th century CE depending on the source. Due to its alleged rain-giving powers, this statue features prominently during the Songkran festival at the end of the dry season.
• Ubosot - in front of the ubosot one can find a stone stele from the year 1581 CE. This stele contains the oldest mentioning of the founding date of Chiang Mai: the 12th of April, 1296 CE at 4 am. It also mentions that the ubosot was commissioned by King Mangrai and that Phya Saen Luang had it restored in 1571. The present building was built in the 19th century.
• Ho Trai - the Temple Library (scripture depository) of Wat Chiang Man is of a fairly plain design when compared to the Ho Trai belonging to Wat Phra Singh. It is a wooden building set on top of a high plastered brick base. Most temples in Chiang Mai do not feature a Ho Trai.
• Lotus Pond - as with Ho Trai, temple ponds do not feature at most Chiang Mai temples. Both Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chiang Man have one.

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