Wat Suan Dok description and photos - Thailand: Chiang Mai (Topic)

Wat Suan Dok description and photos - Thailand: Chiang Mai. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Wat Suan Dok.

Photo and description

In Thai, Wat Suan Dok means “Temple of the Flower Garden” and is adjacent to the Royal Buddhist University.

The temple was founded in 1370 by the King of Lanna Kue Na in the area of the settlement of the people `` lavo '' near Mount Doi Suthep. The garden that existed on the territory of the temple gave it its name. The revered monk from the Kingdom of Sukhothai, Maha Sumana Thepa, was appointed to be in charge of Wat Suan Dok.

The first thing that catches your eye upon entering the territory of the temple is the dazzling snow-white structures resembling small chedi (stupas). In fact, these are the mausoleums where the ashes of the members of the Chiang Mai Royal Family are kept. At the beginning of the 20th century, Princess Dara Rashmi (one of the wives of King Rama V and daughter of King Lanna Inthavichayanon) gathered together the ashes of ancestors from various places in the Chiang Mai district.

The 48-meter bell-shaped chedi (stupa) is of great value. built in the Sri Lankan style. It contains the relics of the Buddha, which are guarded by multi-headed nagas, which is a distinctive feature of the Lanna Kingdom architecture.

In the recently renovated sala (meditation room), the location of the Buddha statues is interesting. While usually all the statues are facing east, in Wat Suan Dok they are opposite each other. The statue of the Buddha sitting in meditation looks to the east, and the statue of the standing Buddha looks to the west towards the chedi. One of the reasons for this location is the undeniable importance of the chedi and the relics it contains.

The temple is also famous for the bronze statue of the Buddha Phra Chao Kao Tu, created in 1504 and measuring 4.7 meters in height. It is notable for a mixture of styles: the clothes of the Buddha are made in the style of Ayutthaya, while elongated fingers indicate a clear influence of the Sukhothai style. The statue is located in the ubosot (small room of the temple).

We also recommend reading The Church of Sant'Erasmo in Porto Ercole (Chiesa di Sant'Erasmo) description and photos - Italy: Monte Argentario

Topic: Wat Suan Dok description and photos - Thailand: Chiang Mai.