Wat Phra Singh In Chiang Mai, Thailand

Wat Phra Singh is a temple in Chiang Mai, influenced by Buddhism. Wat Phra Singh is one of the foremost picture temples in Chiang Mai. Its astonishing design, Lanna-style rooftops superimposed like feathers, this temple is a true shrine. The temple is one of the outstanding attractions throughout the Gregorian calendar month celebrating the Thai year pageant (Songkran). A visit to Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai offers you a chic glimpse into Lanna temple art and design. Most of the buildings have undergone many renovations however still retain the initial feel. If you have got half a day, this temple is unquestionably the place you are looking for. 

Wat Phra Singh is probably the second most commemorated temple in Chiang Mai.  It houses 3 main structures, the most attractive being the elegantly embellished Lai Kam auditorium and its repaired murals portraying the lives of locals many years ago.

Located within the Citi center town wall, at the western finish of Ratchadamnoen Road, the temple invites numerous guests because of its signature Lanna-style roofs and glittery viharn (assembly hall). The walled-in temple compound is busy with guests and worshippers all year spherical and is sometimes packed throughout the Thai New Year (Songkran) in the period of mid-April. 

History Of Wat Phra Singh

Built-in 1345, and restored within the early nineteenth Century, Erected within the Citi center old town walls, the temple homes one among the revered pictures of Buddha, known as Phra Singh, which pulls an enormous flock of holidaymakers all year spherical. Inside, it houses Phra Singh (Lion Buddha), the extremely revered Buddha image showcasing the swish ‘Lion’ vogue, believed to be influenced by Sukhothai and Indian Pala designs. Each Songkran, Chiang Mai locals would invite Phra Singh in a very ceremonial procession around the city’s main roads for the washing ritual.

Chiang Mai’s most revered temple, Wat Phra Singh is dominated by a vast, mosaic-inlaid sanctuary. The lavish monastic buildings and immaculately cut grounds, dotted with low stands and massage pavilions make Pilgrims flock come here to prize the illustrious Buddha image called Phra Singh (Lion Buddha), housed in Wihan Lai Kham, a little chapel instantly south of the chedi (stupa) to the rear of the temple grounds.

This elegant idol is claimed to possess return to Thailand from the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and was enshrined in 1367. The chapel is equally putting, with gilded Naga (serpent) gables and luxurious lai·krahm (gold-pattern stenciling) within.

A little is known regarding the Phra Singh image, despite Phra Singh’s exalted standing, there is a lot in common with pictures from the northern Kingdom of Thailand than with Buddha statues from the state. Adding to the mystery, there are 2 nearly identical pictures elsewhere in the Kingdom of Thailand, one within the capital of Thailand National repository and one in Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat. no matter its rootage, the sculpture has become pay attention to spiritual celebrations throughout the Songkran pageant.

Highlights Of Wat Phra Singh

The Lai Kam auditorium at Wat Phra Singh could be a fine example of Lanna temple design. It offers soaring alary roofs similarly to lavish wood carvings and stuccos throughout. Other different fascinating options within Lai Kam auditorium embrace the wall murals portraying scenes from the native means of life and folklore tales and therefore the intricately gilded spherical columns, windows, and pain behind Phra Singh.

As you wander the religious residence grounds, note the raised temple library, housed in exceedingly dainty teak and stucco marquee called Ho Trai, adorned with bas-relief angels within the sort of Wat Chet Yot. The temple’s main chedi, rising over a classic Lanna-style polygon base, was made by King Pa Yo in 1345; it’s usually wrapped in bolts of orange fabric by devotees.

Besides Viharn Lai Kam, the larger main auditorium (Viharn Luang) is home to a 15th-Century Buddha image forged from copper and gold. Viharn Luang may be an utterly remodeled structure, attacking the initial web site. Though spectacular, the interior decorations are a lot less elaborate than those inside Viharn Lai Kam.

Another structure worth visiting is that the library (Haw Trai), settled to the left of Viharn Lai Kam. on a stone base that includes stunning stucco figures, the red-colored wood hall contains Buddhist scriptures.

How To Reach Wat Phra Singh

There are multiple tuk-tuks or red songthaews which shall drop you off near the temple. Given that there are so many options, reaching Wat Phra Singh is hardly a concern. Wat Phra Singh can be accessed from various parts easily.

Wat Phra Singh is Snuggled in the center of the city of Chiang Mai, one of the most iconic attractions in Chiang Mai, Thailand. At the end of Ratchadamnoen Road, this magnificent temple can be reached. Also, the temple is located at a distance of less than 5 km from Chiang Mai Airport, you may either book a stay near the airport and hire your preferred mode of transportation to reach the temple in just 10 minutes.

Entry Tickets For Wat Phra Singh

The entrance fee for Wat Phra Singh is zero. However, the locals can visit the assembly hall of the temple for free, but foreign visitors can visit the assembly hall by buying an entry ticket of 40 Baht, i.e. INR 88 (approx.).

Opening Hours Of Wat Phra Singh In Chiang Mai

Wat Phra Singh Temple is open from Monday to Sunday around 5 AM to 8:30 PM.

Tips For Wat Phra Singh

• Dress appropriately to avoid hurting any religious sentiments, avoid wearing shorts, and cover up your legs and shoulders
• Remove your footwear before entering the temple.
• You can capture the images of Buddha in the shrine, but it is advised not to go close to them
• Be early to the temple, to listen to the chanting from the monks for a soulful experience
• If time allows, you may also try exploring the Sunday Night Market on the same street.

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