Wat Phra Singh, The Temple of Lion Buddha, is the largest temple in Chiang Mai, and seems to hold a special spot in the hearts of Chiang Mai residents, for everyone wanted to make sure we don't leave Chiang Mai without seeing the beautiful temple, originally built in 1345 by King Pha Yu to enshrine the ashes of his father, King Kham Fu.
The wat occupies large grounds; many buildings and shrines.We ended up spending quite some time in the main wiharn (prayer hall) to wait out the rain. It was very interesting to watch monks at work, and the faithful at worship, it was inspiring actually.
I like the entrance to the main wiharn, with what I am assuming is the King statue, golden Naga staircase , and large golden Buddha inside,built in Lanna style.
A wax statue of a revered monk filled the left of the altar in the main wiharn.Many of the large temples seem to honor their deceased monks by having their statues displayed.
The chedi(pagoda) is large and whitewashed,with an elephant carved at each side of the base.
The temple gets its name from the Phra Singh Buddha image housed in a smaller wiharn.Phra Singh is Lion Buddha, and it came from Sri Lanka.
The ubosot (ordination hall) of Wat Phra Singh is open to the public and holds a beautiful altar.
It was a beautiful temple and well worth the visit.
Comments (10)
Wow! So many gorgeous buildings and carvings. Interesting that there is a monk made out of wax. I love seeing all of your photos!
Posted by girasoli | June 10, 2009 3:15 AM
Posted on June 10, 2009 03:15
Hi Candi, I enjoyed learning about this temple and you took some really great photos of both the inside and outside. The monk statue looks so real, if you hadn't of mentioned it, I would've thought it was a real person. The architecture is so interesting and beautiful.
Thank you so much for this very enjoyable read and for sharing your wonderful photos. I can't wait for your next installment.
Have a great day!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | June 10, 2009 5:20 AM
Posted on June 10, 2009 05:20
It's beautiful and your photos are wonderful. There is something about seeing the Buddha image that makes me happy! I bet it was fun to watch the monks when you were waiting out the rain.
I'm really enjoying these posts!
Posted by Annie | June 10, 2009 10:45 AM
Posted on June 10, 2009 10:45
Your photos are just beautiful, Candi! I feel like I am seeing the sights along with you!
Posted by nancyhol | June 10, 2009 12:45 PM
Posted on June 10, 2009 12:45
Wonderful photos, Candi! That's a very realistic wax sculpture. Interesting pagoda with the yellow base (is it cloth?) and the half elephant sculpture
Posted by María I. | June 10, 2009 5:16 PM
Posted on June 10, 2009 17:16
I'm so enjoying catching up on your trip! What an amazing place to visit.
Posted by Amy | June 10, 2009 7:18 PM
Posted on June 10, 2009 19:18
Girasoli, the carvings are so beautiful. Lots of gold everywhere.
Kathy, I too thought it was a meditating monk, and did not want to disturb to start with, until Bill was taking a photo, and I "yelled" at him for being rude, and he then said "it is wax". It does look so real.
Nancy, I am glad you are enjoying the virtual tour.
Maria, yes, the yellow in the chedi is a cloth. It seems to be a very common practice to have yellow or orange cloths on the base of the chedi, not sure why really.
Amy, it was a fascinating place, I hope to have a return trip.
Posted by candi | June 10, 2009 9:20 PM
Posted on June 10, 2009 21:20
It is all beautiful but I also love the entrance. The Naga staircase is stunning. I was looking at your great pictures and totally missed that the monk was wax until I read the comments. I would not have expected that.
Posted by Marta | June 10, 2009 9:21 PM
Posted on June 10, 2009 21:21
Beautiful! All the buildings are so wonderful and interesting. Even the Thai alphabet is pretty!
Posted by Chiocciola | June 13, 2009 8:55 AM
Posted on June 13, 2009 08:55
Thank you very much...I was in need of a picture of the Phra Singh as I did not get to take a good picture on my visit. As Phra Singh originates from Sri Lanka it holds special value to me.
Many a Thank from Sri Lanka!
Posted by Suchith | October 16, 2009 2:44 AM
Posted on October 16, 2009 02:44