Wider World by CS

Wat Phrantha Lampangluang: Lanna Legacy

UPDATE : 14 December 2011

Panjamal Wat Phratha Lampangluang is among the country's most important Buddhist temples featuring northern-style, Lanna architecture and is the most revered building among residents of the northern province of Lampang. Located in a tranquil setting within Ko Kha district, 620 kilometers north of Bangkok, the temple is situated on top of a hill and includes many important structures featuring Lanna architecture. The temple is considered a 'must visit' destination among Buddhists, who make the journey to pay respect to the relics of the Lord Buddha, which are housed in the temple's chedi (stupa), known locally as Phrathat. Steeped in History According to the temple’s historical records, Chao Hantaethong, who ruled Lampang during the 15th century, initiated the construction of the chedi in 1449 to cover a smaller golden chedi, built earlier by Phya Chantathevaraj (the precise date of construction of this structure is not known). The chedi has a bell-shaped body on a square base. Its pointed spire is covered with golf leaf and decorated with a golden, multi-tiered umbrella. When visiting the temple, Thai Buddhists traditionally walk around the chedi three times in order to pay homage to the relics. It's thought that visiting the temple can provide visitors with good fortune, especially those born in the year of ox (under the Thai zodiac). Right in front of the chedi is Viharn Luang, the main preaching hall, which features a multi-tiered roof over the hall area. Constructed in 1476 by Chao Muenkhampek (whose rule followed Chao Hantaethong’s rule), the hall houses the centuries-old Phrachao Lanthong, which is the temple’s principle Buddha image (in the ‘subduing mara’ posture). The image is displayed centrally inside a small throne. Elsewhere, there are several other important structures, such as the ordination hall and other halls, which feature delicate murals on their walls. Many of these buildings also contain Buddha images. The principal structures sit on a square-shaped base at the top of the hill and are surrounded by brick walls, which mark the temple’s sacred boundary. An external stairway features beautifully-crafted wooden serpents, which are important mythical creatures, according to Buddhist beliefs. There’s a temple museum located just outside the temple's boundary, which includes many artifacts and other important objects dating back to the Lanna period (1292-1774). Among these are centuries-old images and tablets of the Buddha, examples of Buddhist scripture and religious paraphernalia used by monks. Locals still hold religious ceremonies at the temple and organize two major annual festivals to pay respect to the Buddha relics housed in the chedi. The first takes place on the day of the full moon during the second lunar month (November), while the second is held on April 16, which is when New Year is celebrated in the north of the country. Transport Connections: Wat Phrathat Lampangluang is located about 18 kilometers from Lampang. You can take a taxi to the temple from the city’s commercial center. Negotiate a price before departure. Bus: Transport Co operates regular buses to Lampang from the Northern Bus Terminal at Morchit. For further information contact the operator on Tel: +66 (0)2 434 7192, or +66 (0)2 435 5605.