Phra Singh temple strange insight into the Buddhist way of life
Phra Singh temple (Wat of the Lion Buddha) is a necessary Buddhist monastery and temple on the west side of Chiangmai, Thailand. Founded in the 14th century, it houses two medieval Lord buddha images.
Wat Phra Singh is also known as “The Monastery of the Lion Lord buddha” or “The wat of the Lion Buddha” is an active wat, with hundreds of monks and novices living there. The Phra Singh temple houses a number of highly revered and very old Lord buddha images. The Wat Phra Singh dates back to the 14th century when Chiang Mai was the metropolis of the Lanna Kingdom, and is one of the finest example of classic Lanna style temple architecture in Northern Thailand. The temple grounds have a number of vintage Lanna style buildings. Between Songkran festival in April when traditional Asian new year is celebrated the Phra Singh images is carried through the streets of Chiangmai during that local people can respect the statue by watering water over it.
Wat Phra Singh was created in 1345 during the reign of Phraya Pha Yu. the Chiang Mai King of the Mangrai Royal Family. He initially ordered the structuring of a 46-metre tall pagoda to house the royal ashes of his father, Phraya Kham Fu. Later a monastery, Sala Kan Parian or the open hallway for the lay people. and Ho Trai were built. The wat was first named Wat Li Chiang Phra. Later, Ruler Saen Mueang Ma moved the Phra Phuttha Sihing image from Chiang Rai. When the elephant array was passing the front of the wat, the elephants refused to move any further. That was why Phra Phuttha Sihing was enshrined at this temple. The name of this temple “Wat Phra Singh” came from the in demand word used amid the Northern people of the shortened form of the name of the Lord buddha sculpture “Phra Sing”. Phra Singh temple underwent extensive reparation until 1924 when the final reparation was carried out by Chao Kaeo Nawarat, the last dynastic ruler of Chiang Mai city, and the noteworthy monk Khruba Siwichai and Chiang Mai Buddhists.
Viharn Luang
The biggest structure is Viharn Luang (viharn = assembly hallway), rebuilt in 1925 on the site of a 14th-century unique and extensively renewed in 2008. The three-aisled interior is impressive, its high red roof supported by round white columns. It houses Phra Chao Thong Tip, a large images of the seated Lord buddha cast of gold and copper in 1477.
One of the top example of Lanna style structure is the Viharn Lai Kham. This viharn or assembly hallway was created at the end of the 14th century to house a very highly respected Lord buddha image named Phra Singh Lord buddha. The very luxurious outside of the Viharn Lai Kham is decorated in typical Lanna gold and ochre colors. The viharn made from teak wood has a three tiered roof line, the lower edges of that are decorated with chofahs, a ornate garniture that resembles the shape of a very thin bird. The interior of the viharn is at least equally charming as the exterior. The back wall of the viharn with the Phra Singh Buddha images sitting in the center is comprehensive with very detailed, complex Lai Kham, that is red lacquer patterned with gold leaf.
Temple Library
The small scripture repository - ho trai - in the north-east corner is the finest of its type in the north. It sits atop a raised base adorned with stucco Devas. The Ho Trai of the Phra Singh temple is another excellent example of Lanna style architecture. The upper wooden structure is ornamented with carvings and stucco and is covered in glass mosaic and gilded lacquer.
Phra Phuttha Sihing Lord buddha image The Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image was originally housed in the vihara to the south of Phrathat stupa in Phra Singh temple, Muang District, Chiangmai. Phra Phuttha Sihing is an ancient Buddha statue in the gesture of meditation made of bronze and covered with gold. The Lord buddha sculpture is 79 centimeters high with a lap width of 63 centimeters, and is in the Lanka style.
Phra Singh temple is a highlights. The feel peaceful and calm despite its site right in the core of Chiangmai city. If you see one temple in Chiangmai this must be the one. Be certain that to visit the old city pillar as well.
How to go?
The wat is placed at the end of Ratchadamnoen Road that nearly bisects the old town, driving from the Tapae gate all the way to the temple, that is just inside of the Suan Dok gate. If you interest to visit the most important temple in the city for half day trip, Contact Chiang Mai travel agency, they can provide a budget tour to join with group or private tour to Phra Singh temple for your group.
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