Wat Jed Yod Temple, Chiang Mai: Sacred Legacy in Seven Spires
🏛️ Introduction: A Temple Beyond Time
Jed Yod Temple, officially known as Wat Photharam Maha Vihara, is one of the oldest and most symbolically rich Buddhist sites in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Its name — “Temple of the Seven Peaks” — comes from its most iconic structure, a rectangular viharn crowned with seven spires or chedis, making it architecturally unique among Thai temples.
Unlike most Thai temples, Jed Yod’s main viharn is a near-replica of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, India, the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Built in the late 15th century under King Tilokkarat’s reign, the temple also holds special spiritual status as the host of the 8th Buddhist Council in 1477 — a monumental religious gathering that reaffirmed core Buddhist teachings for generations to come.
🕊️ Historical Significance: Enlightenment and Council
In 1477, Wat Jed Yod became the site of the World Sangkayana — the Eighth Buddhist Council. Inspired by the First Council, which convened shortly after the Buddha’s passing, the Chiang Mai council gathered hundreds of monks to review and recite the Pali Canon. The original council had included 499 arahants and the Buddha’s attendant Ananda, whose memory of the Buddha’s teachings was so flawless, his presence was indispensable.
Hosting the 8th council elevated Wat Jed Yod’s status in the Buddhist world, connecting Lanna Buddhism directly to the heart of ancient tradition. It marked the temple not only as a site of religious importance in Chiang Mai but also as a beacon of Buddhist preservation across Southeast Asia.
🏛️ Architecture: Cultural Crossroads in Brick and Stucco
The temple’s centerpiece, a rectangular structure topped by seven asymmetrical spires, is what gives Jed Yod its name. Each spire symbolizes a sacred stage of spiritual awakening. The building’s layout is intentionally complex — symbolic of the spiritual path itself. The architecture incorporates Lanna aesthetics with Indian, Chinese (Yuan and Ming dynasty), and even Burmese influences.
On the exterior, over 70 stucco figures of levitating devata (angelic beings) are positioned in bas-relief. These figures remain among the finest examples of Lanna sculpture. Notably, the figures on one side appear seated, while those on the other are standing — a rare asymmetrical design choice in Thai temple art. These differences may represent spiritual dualities or narrative cycles from Buddhist cosmology.
🌍 Sacred Structures and Enclosures
Inside the viharn is a large seated Buddha on a pedestal with a somewhat smaller Buddha image in front of it placed opposite the entrance. One of the sides of the viharn contains a tunnel like structure where a large sitting Buddha image is enshrined. Next to the viharn are two large gongs and a number of bells. Behind the viharn is the more modern ubosot or ordination hall.
There are three chedis or pagodas on the temple grounds. The largest chedi named the Phra Chedi has a square shape with niches on all four sides and a tall spire on top. It was built in 1487 to enshrine the ashes of King Tilokkarat. This Lanna style chedi also contains the Phra Kan Janthra Buddha image. Another chedi, set on a brick base has collapsed. The third chedi, with an octagonal shape and multiple levels containing niches, is set on a square brick base. The top of the structure is missing.
Directly behind are two more chedi (right). One of them, presumably the larger, contains the remains of the king who built the temple.
Further on is another chedi, in front of which is a very large ancient platform, which now has a small, obviously modern building on it. In the picture at left you can also see some of the many large trees which shade much of the temple grounds.
The second viharn of the Jed Yod temple is a very elegant typical Lanna style viharn with a three tiered roof and ornately decorated facade. Naga snakes on either side of the stairs are guarding the entrance. A large Bodhi tree on the grounds that is said to have been planted by King Tilokkarat himself is a descendant of the tree under which the Buddha meditated and reached enlightenment.
Another unusual highlight of Jed Yod temple is many small statues of snakes, which have been left their as offerings, especially at the shrine on the back side of the viharn under the shade of the Bodhi tree. In Lanna tradition, there is a temple associated with every Zodiac sign (Lanna version of Asian zodiac signs), and this temple is associated with those born in the year of the Snake zodiac sign.
Note: The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, India is one of the most important of all sacred places for Buddhists. The second site in the Heart of Buddha Pilgrimage Way, it commemorates the attaining of Enlightenment by Siddhartha Gautama. The Pilgrimage Way starts in Lumbini, Nepal, where Prince Siddhartha was born. Bodhgaya is followed by the Deer Park in Sarnath where Buddha preached his first sermon and the pilgrimage ends in Kusinagara where Buddha reached paranirvana, or going beyond nirvana. Of all these places though, Bodhgaya surpasses in importance as the birthplace of Buddhism. It was here that Siddhartha denounced asceticism and realizes the “Middle Way”, which became the center of his teaching.
🍌 Trees, Snakes, and Zodiac Belief
Behind the viharn grows a large Bodhi tree, believed to be planted by King Tilokkarat himself. Said to be a descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, it anchors the temple in living lineage.
Nearby, dozens of snake statues — offerings from devotees — surround a shrine beneath the Bodhi’s shade. This connects to an important local belief: Wat Jed Yod is the birth-year temple for those born in the Year of the Snake, according to Lanna astrology. Pilgrims come to pray for protection, longevity, and wisdom, often leaving symbolic serpents in gratitude or request.
⛪️ Serene and Undiscovered
While many of Chiang Mai’s historic temples are lively tourist destinations, Jed Yod remains remarkably quiet. This lack of crowds allows the sacredness of the place to breathe. Mature trees shade the grounds, ancient bricks meet patches of moss, and the air carries the scent of incense.
Without commercial distractions, this temple invites personal connection and inner silence. It’s the kind of place where a traveler can walk slowly, reflect deeply, and perhaps encounter something unexpected — both outside and within.
🔝 Why You Should Visit
Jed Yod Temple is not just another historic site — it is a living testament to the fusion of faith, memory, and artistry. With Indian-inspired design, Lanna spiritual symbolism, rare asymmetrical stucco art, and quiet reverence in every corner, this temple speaks to both the heart and the intellect.
Whether you’re charting the Attractions in Chiang Mai for a cultural adventure, or seeking quiet spiritual ground away from the crowds, Jed Yod offers something few places can: space to wander, to wonder, and to connect.
For seekers, scholars, and curious travelers — this is a temple that lingers long after you’ve left.
🌄 Location, Access & Nearby Highlights
Wat Jed Yod lies just off the Superhighway, near the intersection with Huay Kaew Road and not far from the Chiang Mai National Museum. It is accessible by red songthaew (public truck-taxis), tuk-tuk, scooter, or bicycle. Visitors staying in the Old City can reach the temple in 10–20 minutes.
Its proximity to other landmarks makes it an ideal stop on guided day tours Chiang Mai. Combine it with other spiritual sites like Wat Umong, Wat Suan Dok, or even Doi Suthep for a spiritually fulfilling half-day itinerary.
⏰ Hours, Entry & Visitor Etiquette
Wat Jed Yod is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entrance is free of charge, but small donations are encouraged to support temple maintenance and local monk activities.
As in all temples in Thailand, dress modestly (no exposed shoulders or knees), and remove your shoes before entering sacred buildings. Keep your voice low and treat the site with reverence. The temple’s peaceful ambiance is sustained by mutual respect.
Note : Wheelchair user is accessible
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