Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan (Chedi Luang Temple)

chedi luang temple, wat chedi luang, important temples in chiang mai

Chedi Luang Temple one of the regions most important temples in Chiang Mai Thailand

The Chedi Luang Temple, also known as the “Grand Stupa”, is a historic Buddhist temple located in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was originally built in the 14th century and served as a symbol of the city’s wealth and power. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several renovations and additions, with the most significant expansion taking place in the mid-14th century.

Chedi Luang Temple is a popular tourist destination and a cultural hub for the local community. Visitors can explore the temple grounds and admire the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn the buildings and chedi. The temple also serves as a venue for religious ceremonies and cultural events, and offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and religious traditions of Chiang Mai and Thailand.

Attraction in Wat Chedi Luang

Chedi or the Great Stupa

A Stupa, also known as a Chedi, is a unique Buddhist monument that originated in ancient India and serves both as a place of worship and a symbol of Buddhist teachings. The word “stupa” is Sanskrit for “mound” or “heap”, referring to the dome-shaped structure that is typically found at the center of a Buddhist temple. The Chedi Luang, or the “Great Stupa”, located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a particularly significant example of this type of monument. It was built in the 14th century as a symbol of the power and wealth of the Kingdom of Lanna and its original structure was over 80 meters tall, housing the Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand’s most revered Buddhist relics.

The Chedi Luang suffered damage and was reduced in size over the centuries, but was eventually restored to its former glory in the 20th century. Today, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Chiang Mai and continues to serve as a place of worship and symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage. The ruined brick chedi of Wat Chedi Luang now stands at around 60 meters in height and has a base that is 44 meters wide. Its four sides are each adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, including nagas, mythical snakes, guarding monumental stairways and elephants standing guard on the platform.

The exact cause of the destruction of the chedi of Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai is unclear, with some attributing it to an earthquake in the 17th century, while others believe it was the result of King Taksin’s cannons firing on the city to chase out the Burmese in the 18th century. Despite partial reconstruction, the spire of the chedi has still not been renovated as there is uncertainty about its original appearance. Nevertheless, Wat Chedi Luang remains one of the city’s most famous tourist attractions in Chiang Mai.

Viharns

The Chedi Luang Temple in Chiang Mai boasts two impressive viharns, or temple halls, that serve as gathering places for the local community. The first viharn is a large, striking building with a three-tiered roof and a golden front facade. Constructed in 1928, the high red ceiling is supported by two rows of tall round columns. Inside, visitors can admire the large standing Buddha image, Phra Chao Attarot, located opposite the entrance and dating back to the temple’s founding in the late 14th century.

The second viharn, much smaller in size, is noted for its elegant front facade, decorated with intricate wood carvings. Visitors will also be greeted by large nagas, mythical snake-like creatures, guarding the stairs leading to the entrance. Adjacent to the viharn is a small pavilion in the Burmese style. These viharns at the Chedi Luang Temple highlight the rich cultural heritage and religious traditions of Buddhism in northern Thailand and are an integral part of the temple’s history and significance.

The Sao Inthakin or city pillar

The Sao Inthakin, or City Pillar, is an important part of the cultural heritage of Chiang Mai and is housed in a small building on the temple grounds of the Wat Chedi Luang. According to local belief, the Sao Inthakin protects the city and is accompanied by a small shrine built to house the guardian spirits who brought the Sao Inthakin from heaven. Three massive Dipterocarp trees, believed to be protectors of the city, can also be found near the Sao Inthakin hall. Legend has it that if the tree closest to the Sao Inthakin were to fall, a great catastrophe would occur.

Other structures on the temple grounds include a small building containing a Reclining Buddha image, as well as a bell tower. Additionally, the Wat Phan Tao, another temple, is located on the same grounds. These structures at the wat Chedi Luang provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and religious traditions of Chiang Mai and northern Thailand.

Dipterocarp trees

The Dipterocarp Trees, also known as Yang trees, are located near the Sao Inthakin hall on the grounds of the Wat Chedi Luang. According to local legend, these three massive trees serve as protectors of the city and are believed to hold great significance. If the tree closest to the Sao Inthakin were to fall, it is said that a great catastrophe would occur, emphasizing the important role these trees play in the cultural beliefs and traditions of the local community. These Dipterocarp Trees at the Chedi Luang Temple are a unique and fascinating aspect of the temple’s cultural heritage and history.

Monk Chat

Wat Chedi Luang has a popular monk chat as well as a few token touts so, without being too cynical, beware of over-helpful locals.

A monk chat club is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the northern side of the grounds. Drop in to chat with them about Buddhism, a monk’s life, Thai culture or other relevant topics. They get to practice English, and you get face time with a Buddhist monk. (Ladies, be sure not to touch them as it is taboo.) As their sign says, “Don’t just stand looking from afar and walk away.”

Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai was also important because for a short time it housed the holy Emerald Buddha which is considered the most important ans scared object in Thailand. The Emerald Buddha is now in Bangkok, but a few years ago the king donated a replica of the Emerald Buddha to Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai.

The base of Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai has splendid elephant statues. The temple also features a small open shed that houses a reclining Buddha image. You must not miss a chance to visit Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai if you are on Chiang Mai tour.

Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai attracts numerous tourists which helps tourism in Chiang Mai to flourish.

Wat Pra That Chedi Luang Worawihan Story

Wat Pra That Chedi Luang Worawihan located in Chiang Saen old town. King Saen Muang Ma began building the Phra Chedi Luang to enshrine the relics of his father at the end of the 14th century, but King Tilokarat completed it

Wat Chedi Luang, maybe the most impressive temple of Chiang Mai, is known for its huge chedi Ancient sites include the bell-shaped. Lanna-style principal chedi which used to be 90 metres high before it was partly destroyed in an earthquake in 1545: it was to remain the tallest structure in Chiangmai for over 500 years The present restored chedi is about 60 metres high Another feature of the site is the tall gum tree that lies just inside its entrance According to legend, the fate of the tree is linked to that of the city : when the tree falls, so will Chiangmai- Also of interest are a Naga (serpent) staircaise adorning the main chapel’s front porch and the framed pictures along the walls with English captions explaining the story of the Buddha’s life The large wihan was built in 1928- It’s to the west of the chedi and there is a reclining Buddha Round columns with bell shaped bases and lotus finials support the high red ceiling inside The standing Buddha image inside is known as the Phra Chao

Attarut Made of a combination of brass alloy and mortar, the image dates back to King Saen Muang Ma Other buildings in the compound include the Lanna campus of the Mahamakut Buddist University (This is the northern campus for monks of the Thammayut sect, a reformist sect founded by Kin Mongkut (Rama IV r. 1851 – 1868. who was dissatisfied with the established Mahanikai sect in the late 1830’s). From this area an exit leads out onto Chaban Road One of the best times to see this chedi is during the wian tian ceremony in the evening on one of the main Buddhist festival days The festival begins with a procession of the Phra Fan Saen Ha Buddha image around the streets Lanna people believe that a guardian spirit resides in the image, and that bathing the image with lustral water encourages rain

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How to get to the Wat Chedi Luang

The Wat Chedi Luang is located close to the centre of the old walled part of Chiang Mai. You will find it about half way Ratchadamnoen road that crosses the old city from East to West. The main entrance is opposite Phra Pok Klao road, just South of Ratchadamnoen road. A must see!! Very beautiful architecture and hopefully you can find a tour guide that is knowledgeable about its history. If you interest to visit the most important temple in the city for half day tour, we can provide a budget tour or a private tour for your group.

Entrance fee & opening hours

The temple grounds are open daily from 6 am. until 6 pm. Admission is free for Thai people and 40 THB per person for foreigner.

Wat Jedi Luang is one of the must see temple in the chiangmai old city. You will see the architecture of the ancient thai style, which is different to what you see in Bangkok and southern part of Thailand.

Note : Wheelchair user is accessible

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