Wat Chedi Luang


History of Wat Chedi Luang

 

            In Thai minor era 289, in 1304, King Saen Pu commanded to construct Chiang Saen City. Four years afterward, His Majesty also ordered to build the cathedral within King Ton Luang temple, Chiang Saen. In the age of King Saeng Mueang Ma, son of King Kue Na. Once His Majesty was 39 years old, he decreed to construct the Chedi Luang pagoda. However, during the process, His Majesty passes away. Hence, his queen took a responsibility to continue building three pagodas. Additionally, it took 35 million baht to finish reconstructing the pagodas on 30th December 1992.

            Wat Chedi Luang is the ancient temple in Chiang Mai. Even though, the temple was built in King Sang Mueang Ma. Nevertheless, there’s no information confirmed an exact year of build. Yet, the temple is assumed to be built in 1385-1402.  Wat Chedi Luang has been through several reconstructions. Particularly, the pagoda, one of the most significant pagodas in Chiang Mai which has 60 meters width on each side. In addition, Wat Chedi Luang was built in the middle of Chiang Mai that was once the center of Lanna Kingdom. Nowadays, Wat Chedi Luang has much worship for people to make merit. For example, Chedi Luang pagoda, Inthakhin, Gumpagaun rubber tree, and hermit statue that reflect the alteration among urban society.

 

Interesting Structures in Wat Chedi Luang

1. The Cathedral

 

Master Chao Khun Ubali (Siri Junthatera) and Jao Kaew Nawarat were the founders of Wat Chedi Luang Temple in 1928. At the entrance of the pagoda is decorated with elegant Naga stairs which considered as the most beautiful Naga stairs in Chiang Mai and their tails fasten with the pagoda’s arch. The two Naga were molded since the old days. Indoors of the Chedi Luang pagoda has the Attharot Buddha statue which was made from bronze, 18-cubit-wide Buddha statue in the attitude of persuading the relatives not to quarrel which Queen Thilokachuda, mother of King Tilok Karaj, ordered to cast the statue in the period of King Rama 5th, 1411 for performing a ceremony to show loyalty to the king, instead of taking place in Chiang Man temple.

 

2. Chedi Luang Pagoda

 

The pagoda was constructed in 1391, in the era of King Saeng Mueang Ma. Following that, King Tilok Karaj commanded to rebuild the pagoda to have 80-meter-tall; the square basement has 56 meters each and been reshaped to be Lanka style metal pagoda. In four corners, they were beautified with 8 elephant statues which people believe that they can spiritually protect the pagoda and provide strength to the city. In addition, there is a ceremony to worship 8 King of elephants because of the belief of bringing peace and preventing enemies. Therefore, “King of elephant” was names to reveal the power, intimidation, protection, and elimination.

 

3. Inthakhin Pole

 

Initially, Inthakhin Pole was located in the local area called “Sai Daue Mueang”. Once King Kawila moved out from Pa Sang district where he had live for 14 years, 4 months, and 20 days to Chiang Mai on 9th March 1796 for fulfilling and developing the power of Chiang Mai until received the victory in 1796. Hence, Chiang Mai was named “The Center of The North” ever since together with constructing the hermit statue nearby the Inthakhin Pole in Chot Waram Viharn temple. In June 1990 to December 1992, the Fine Arts department had hired Siwakorn Karnchang co. to rebuild the Chedi Luang pagoda with 35-million-baht budget. The earthquake was the reason why the pagoda had to be rebuilt for maintain strength. The square basement was improved to be 60-meter-wide and restored the crack both on the pagoda and elephant statues. This reconstruction was criticized by a great number of people, so in the present, responsible men had to invite His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch to lead the restoration for preserving the historical evidence.