Tour to Wat Jed Yod : Important Temples in Chiang Mai

Jed Yod Temple the wat of people that born in 12 months of the Snake zodiac

Formally referred to as Wat Photharam Maha Vihara. Jed Yod Temple is without doubt one of the historical temples within the city of Chiangmai, Thailand. The temple’s title literally interprets to 7 peaks and is referred to the seven chedis on high of the temple’s main viharn.

The temple architecture, though somewhat in contrast to the standard Buddhist temples, is constructed in a bit of Lanna model, although it primarily resembles the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya (India) of which it's a replica. In accordance with the information of Thai Fantastic Arts Division, the temple was built within the year 1455 by the Lanna king Tilokkarat to serve two principal purposes - first, to honor his most revered monk named Phra Uthamapanya Mahathera, and second, to host the 8th World Buddhist Council, which was held right here in 1477, to debate the texts of the Tripitaka, the scriptures containing the Buddhist teachings.

History The chedi was constructed in the course of the reign of King Tilokkarat in the late fifteenth century (his remains are in one of many smaller chedis), and in 1477 the World Sangkayana convened here to revise the doctrines of the Buddha. The First Buddhist council was held not lengthy after the Buddha handed away. The assembly was comprised of 499 enlightened Arhat monks plus the monk Ananda, who had served because the Buddha’s private attendant for a lot of years. Though he had not but attained Arhatship before the council began, Ananda was invited to attend due to his incredible energy of memory and close proximity to the Buddha for thus many years. Ananda may recall each educating of the Buddha verbatim, making his inclusion at the assembly necessary. In those days, spiritual texts in India had been at all times preserved by memorization, not by writing them down.

Another uncommon highlight of the temple is many small statues of snakes, which have been left their as offerings, particularly at the shrine on the again aspect of the viharn under the shade of the Bodhi tree. In Lanna tradition, there's a temple related to each Zodiac signal (Lanna version of Asian zodiac signs), and this temple is related to those born in the 12 months of the Snake zodiac sign.
Points of interest in Jed Yod Temple

The viharn with 7 peaks

The weird design of the main rectangular chedi with seven peaks was copied from the Maha Bodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, India, where the Buddha first achieved enlightenment. The temple additionally has architectural elements reflecting Burmese and early Chinese influences presupposed to date again to the Yuan and Ming dynasties. The extraordinary proportions, the angelic, levitating devata figures carved into the bottom of the chedi, and the juxtaposition of the opposite buildings make Jed Yod Temple a masterpiece.

Inside the viharn is a big seated Buddha on a pedestal with a considerably smaller Buddha picture in entrance of it positioned opposite the entrance. One of many sides of the viharn incorporates a tunnel like construction the place a large sitting Buddha image is enshrined. Next to the viharn are two giant gongs and a variety of bells. Behind the viharn is the more trendy ubosot or ordination hall.

Three chedis

There are three chedis on the temple premises - Phra Chedi is the largest one which was built in 1487 and homes the shrines of the temple’s maker, the second chedi has collapsed, and the third one still remains in a sort of a dilapidated state with its prime missing.

Different constructions on the temple grounds

The second viharn of the Wat Jed Yod is a very elegant typical Lanna style viharn with a three tiered roof and ornately decorated facade. Naga snakes on either side of the steps are guarding the entrance. A big Bodhi tree on the grounds that's mentioned to have been planted by King Tilokkarat himself is a descendant of the tree below which the Buddha meditated and reached enlightenment.

The best way to go to the Jed Yod Temple

The Wat Jed Yod is positioned in the North West a part of Chiang Mai metropolis, around 2 kilometers from the outdated walled metropolis center. The temple is found just North of the Chiang Mai to Lampang superhighway (Highway 11), a few hundred meters from the Chiang Mai Nationwide Museum. To get there, take a tuk tuk (agree on the price earlier than setting off) or drive there your self on a rented bicycle. If you happen to curiosity to go to crucial temple in the metropolis for half day trip, we will present a Chiang Mai private tour for your group.

Entrance fee and open time
The temple grounds are open each day from 6 am until 6 pm. Entrance ticket is free, although donations are extremely appreciated.