Visiting Wat Chedi Luang
The Wat Chedi Luang temple sits at the center of the old city in Chiang Mai. Its name translates to Royal Chedi, a nod to its location directly next to the former city palace.
History
Construction began around 1391. Originally, the site was intended to house the ashes of King Phra Chao Ku Na. His son commissioned a chedi-shaped pavilion named Ku Luang, meaning "grand majestic sanctuary."
To honor his father, he added a silver tree with golden branches and leaves, along with two gold and silver Buddha images. He began building a wall to protect these items, but passed away before the project was completed.
It was not until 1475 that the structure was finished. Standing 85 meters tall, it housed over 28,000 relics of the Buddha and precious artifacts. It even served as the home for the legendary Emerald Buddha.
In 1545, an earthquake severely damaged the city and the temple. During a subsequent period of instability, the Burmese empire invaded and looted the grounds. Stripped of its treasures, the site fell into disrepair until 1990. UNESCO and the Japanese government funded extensive renovations. These efforts remain a point of contention today, as critics argue the work did not preserve the authentic Lanna style.
Inside Wat Chedi Luang
The temple remains a vital part of religious life in Chiang Mai. It houses the Lak Mueang, the city pillar. Local belief holds that this pillar protects the city, bestowing luck and prosperity upon its residents.
You can also view three significant Buddha statues. These include the Reclining Buddha, a replica of the Emerald Buddha, and the Eighteen-Cubit Buddha.
Wat Chedi Luang stands as a prominent example of the sacred temples found throughout northern Thailand.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
The temple facing the street is more modern, but magnificent inside with all its golden columns! But the "real" temple to see is the one hiding behind it, which is much older. You cannot go inside, but you can walk all the way around it and admire the stone elephants that decorate its facades!