Uncovering the Treasures of Wat Chiang Man

 Discovering the Ancient Beauty of Wat Chiang Man

The Magnificent Elephant Chedi of Wat Chiang Man 

Wat Chiang Man is an ancient temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand, that was built in 1297 on the site where King Mangrai camped while overseeing the construction of the city. As the first temple in the city, it boasts a rich history and houses several remarkable artifacts.

The temple's oldest structure is the Chang Lom chedi, which features a unique style that some experts believe originated from Sri Lanka via Sukhothai, while others believe it was inspired by Pagan. The chedi is adorned with fifteen elephant sculptures that represent the unformed matter on which the cosmos of the chedi floats. 

Within the temple grounds, visitors can also find a lotus pond, a raised scripture repository, and an ubosot. The stela in front of the ubosot, which was inscribed in 1581, is one of the oldest known records that establishes the founding date of Chiang Mai. 

The temple features two Lanna style viharn, or assembly halls, with the larger one having undergone renovation by Khru Ba Srivichai in the 1920s. One of the most significant artifacts in the temple is the standing Buddha image that sits at the front right of the altar in the larger viharn. Its slightly lopsided square base features an inscription that dates it back to 1465, making it the oldest known dated Buddha image in Chiang Mai. Close inspection of the image reveals that its new gilt veneer conceals pits and cracks that indicate its true age.

The smaller viharn to the north, open from 9:00-17:00, houses two small but highly regarded Buddha images. The Phra Sila image, a bas-relief that probably came from Ceylon in the eighth century, is renowned for its ability to bring rain and is the focal point of a festival held annually at the temple from April 1-5. The Phra Sae Tang Khamani crystal image is another famous artifact that belonged to Queen Chamadevi and is said to have survived the burning of Haripunchai when it was razed by King Mangrai. The image is honored for its powers to protect against disaster.

Overall, Wat Chiang Man is a fascinating temple with an abundance of history and culture. Visitors can explore its various structures and artifacts to gain a better understanding of Chiang Mai's rich heritage.