Four Temples in the Old City, Chiang Mai, Thailand
high-definition creative commons photographs from four unusual temples in Chiang Mai City, Thailand, showing the architecture, statues, murals and decoration work, together with further information.
Wat Prasat
Wat Phan Tao
These are selections from four temples found in the Old City:
Wat Lam Chang (the elephant stable Temple), was so-named because this is the spot where King Mangrai kept his working elephants when he was building the City. Perhaps in commemoration of this the Chedi is also surrounded by elephants. It is situated not far from Wat Chiang Man. The Temple also has a water-Ubosot, with only a temporary bridge erected when there is need to perform some monastic legal functions. There are some traditional designs on the more modern Viharn, which I also recorded.
Wat Duang Di (Good-Luck Temple) is a small Temple built in the 19th century according to Central Thai design. It has a very different facade, with square-styled designs on it, and is very attractive in red and gold. The Scripture Hall was locked when we were there, but this was also unusual in design and execution, with some fine stucco work.
Wat Prasat (the palace Temple) is near to Wat Phra Singh. It is notable for its small square Chedi at the back of the Ubosot, and the unusual Viharn behind them both. The latter has some good murals, but the lighting was very poor and again none of the photographs came out well.
Wat Phan Tao (the Temple with 1,000 ovens) is near to Chedi Luang, and has an unusually high and attractive Viharn, and it is also one of the only Temples in the City which is still made entirely from Teak. It was converted to its present function from being a Palace in the 19th century.
Photographs by Anandajoti Bhikkhu
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