Wat Phra That Lampang Luang literally means Temple of Lampang’s Great Buddha Relic.
Located approximately 18 km away from Lampang, it is one of the most exquisite temples of Thailand. The temple is built on a hill top in picturesque surroundings in the midst of rice fields. It is believed to have been constructed around 650-700 AD during the time of princess Chama Devi, as the ornamentation of the temple dates back to that era. Bullet marks are still conspicuous, and has served as a hiding place from harsh invaders, due to its high fortress like walls. The northern and eastern section has flights of steps going up with balustrades adorned by a multi-headed Naga revealing a Burmese connection. Two majestic lion statues stand at the foot of the staircase.
The main entrance into Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang is up the staircase with a naga balustrade
(nag sadung) thru a 15th century Northern Thai style ceremonial gatehouse (sum khong).
The star attraction in the temple is the 45-meter high chedi, with two shrines on the sides, and a gorgeous wiharn (prayer hall) in front, carved with flowers and leaves, and containing two Buddha statues. The copper and bronze sheet covering has lost its sheen and appears with a touch of green. The structure reveals typical Lanna architecture and design. The open sala has a central altar, stepped roof made of glazed bricks, and carved wooden ‘thongs’ surrounding it. An inconspicuous teak temple hidden in a corner is the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang’s holy section with a little Buddha reportedly made from the same piece of jade as the Emerald Buddha. The walls are adorned with golden patterns, and the extensive use of gold and copper adds richness to this tourist attraction. A museum situated close-by holds many holy artifacts and precious objects.
The grounds of this temple are still covered with sand, symbolizing the ocean that surrounds Mount Meru, the central world-mountain in Buddhist cosmology, represented by the chedi of the temple.
The Ho Phra Phuttabat is a small tower behind the wiharn and contains a footprint sculpture of Buddha. It is closed to women and is open mainly for festival celebrations when the locals come to pray and seek blessings.
Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang is one of the oldest surviving temples in Thailand
made of wood. This large open-sided main prayer hall dates from 1496.
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang has the distinction of being one of the few unique temples where maintenance work has not been undertaken. It maintains its originality with sand covered grounds. The main wiharn remains accessible from all sides as it is open from all four sides.
Photo and captions By John Glines
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