Lampang Tourist Attraction :
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
| Situated 20 kilometers from the town of Lampang on the top of a small hill is one of the most beautiful and enchanting temples in Thailand known as Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. |
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Believed to have been constructed in 1486 during the reign of Queen Chamathewi of the Lanna Dynasty, this temple is one of the ancient wooden buildings in Thailand that houses some of the finest murals of that period. The exquisitely carved interiors of the temple make Wat Phra That Lampang Luang one of the best examples of Northern style religious architecture, also known as the Lanna-style of architecture.
The entire temple complex is surrounded by a high thick wall that gives the temple its fortress like appearance. The main entrance of the temple featuring the symbol of a white rooster can be reached by climbing the naga stairway. Over the main entrance is an arch which has some intricately carved lintels resembling intertwined dragon heads. Construction of this arch dates back to the 15th century. The golden Chedi inside the temple is believed to contain a holy relic of Lord Buddha. The main prayer hall in the temple is known as the Wiharn Luang. This hall is present to the left of the Chedi and is open on all four sides. The Wiharn contains a heavily ornated multi-tiered pyramid-shaped roof that is supported by strong columns that are completely coated in black lacquer and stenciled with golden leaf designs. The decorations in the interiors are breathtaking with the Wiharn containing beautiful murals depicting scenes from the Jataka tales illustrating the life of Lord Buddha.
Present in the temple houses are the two most significant and ancient bronze images of Buddha in the entire country. The two images are known as Phra Jao Lan Tang and Phra Jao Tan Jai. Phra Jao Lan Thong was cast in the year 1563 and is enclosed in a golden mondop towards the back of the viharn. Phra Jao Tan Jai is located behind Phra Jao Lan Tang.
Located at one end of the main temple is another teak temple. This area is considered as the holiest place in the entire temple complex and houses a little Buddha image. This image is believed to have been carved from the same piece of jade that was used to carve the highly revered Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. Inside the temple is a small museum that houses some of the most precious objects of the temple including red lacquered bookcases, wooden carvings with animal motifs, Buddha images inlaid with gemstones and the head of ancient Buddha image that was cast in the Chiang Mai style.
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