 |
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
|
| |
 |
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
|
| |
 |
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
|
| |
|
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
THAILAND, Chiang Mai
The temple is located at the top of Doi Suthep overlooking Chiang Mai. It is a second class royal temple with the full name Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan. According to legend, a relic of the Buddha was strapped to the back of an auspicious white elephant, which was allowed to wander until it found a suitable place for the relic to be enshrined. After roaming around for some time, the elephant eventually climbed this mountain, but then passed away. It is said that the temple was subsequently built to house the relic carried by the elephant.
Construction of the temple began in 1383 and the stupa housing the relic was expanded in 1525. In 1557 the naga staircase leading up to the temple was added and a road to the temple was built in 1935.
The temple faces southwest and consists of the main stupa, ordination hall, several Buddha halls, museum, and naga staircase. The main stupa is over 16 m high and is covered entirely in gilt copper repouss |
