Wat Chedi Luang

The construction of the massive temple and the largest at Chiang Mai started in 1391 under the reign of King Saen Muang Ma.  It was completed in 1475 during the rule of King Tilokaraj who dedicated the chedi to Emerald Buddha- one of the iconic statues of Lord Buddha in Thailand.

Unfortunately in the year 1545 during the reign of Queen Mahadevi, the chedi was terribly damaged following a massive earthquake in Thailand. In 1900 the UNESCO and the Government of Japan collaboratively undertook the restoration work of the historical temple to retain some of its former glory. The viharn (worship hall) was built in 1928.

2. What is unique about Wat Chedi Luang?

The oversized bust of Emerald Buddha  (official name is Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) carved out of a single block of black jade is the most unique feature of Wat Chedi Luang. It is the most revered idol of Lord Buddha and an important cultural asset of Thailand which dates back as early as the 15th century.  The original statue of the Emerald Buddha which was made in Lanna architectural pattern existed there six years after the earthquake. Later, it was shifted to Luang Prabang (in today's Laos) and a replica is sited in its place which was donated by the then king. One can see four Buddha figurines on the four niches of the chedi.

3. What is the dress code for Wat Chedi Luang?

The dress code for Wat Chedi Luang should reflect your respect towards the religious culture of Thailand. Females should wear dresses that fall beyond their knees. Clothes with revealing shoulders are a strict No (e.g. halter neck or tank tops, shorts, midi skirts). The temple management provides robes to the visitors free of cost if their dress code is not in keeping with the temple etiquette and need an extra pair for covering themselves up. For men, there is as such no dress code. But they should dress according to the norms of the time covering their knees, shoulders, and midriffs.

4. What are the operating hours of Wat Chedi Luang?

Wat Chedi Luang remains open for visitors every day from 8 AM -5 PM. The temple remains open at all the days of the week.

5. What is the history behind Wat Chedi Luang?

Wat Chedi Luang (The Great Stupa) was built sometime between the 14th and 15th centuries and was the tallest and one of the most venerated temples of Chiang Mai. Its construction started under the governance of King Saen Muang Ma who wished to enshrine the ashes of his father Ku Na in the temple. The succeeding kings took charge of the construction of Wat Chedi Luang in the following years until its completion in 1475. 

According to the history of the city, the pinnacle of the chedi was toppled due to a severe earthquake. Later during the Burmese invasion, the architecture of Wat Chedi Luang was also massively impaired. The restoration work of the temple started in 1900.

6. What is a chedi?

Chedi is the Thai version of a stupa or pagoda. In Thailand, a chedi or pagoda is considered as the central and sacred part of a wat (temple). Though a traditional chedi is usually conical in shape, they can be found in different outlines and variants.  Initially chedis were built to house the relics of Lord Buddha but later on, they enshrined the remains of an important king or a monk. 

In Thailand, the most popular form of chedi visible is the bell-shaped one whose shape is likely derived from an ancient entombment mound. Thailand houses the largest chedi (Phra Pathom Chedi) in the world which stands at a height of 127 meters in Nakhon Pathom province near Bangkok.

7. Why is Wat Chedi Luang also known as Inthakin City Pillar? 

Traditionally city pillars (made of wood and stone) were installed at the heart of the cities across Thailand. The Inthakin of Chiang Mai was established by King Mengrai in the year 1296 inside the Wat Sadue Muang temple just after Chiang Mai was declared the capital of the Lanna kingdom. In 1800 the city pillar was permanently shifted to Wat Chedi Luang where it stands today.

During the month of May (sometimes in early June), every year the Inthakin Festival is held to memorialize the Inthakin (city pillar) which is believed to be the protector of Chiang Mai. The festival draws thousands of spectators every day who throng at the venue to pay their tribute and make merry.

8. What is the entrance fee of Wat Chedi Luang?

In earlier times there was no entry fee to pay your visit to the temple. At present, the entry fee for adults is 40 Bahts (88INR approx.) and 20 Baht (44INR approx.) for children.  Locals are exempted from the entry fee.

However, you can make donations for the cause of the temple if you wish.

9. What are the other temples in Chiang Mai?

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep- The temple has been wearing the crown of being the most revered, most visited and most celebrated temples in Thailand since antiquity. It holds an exalted place among the Thai folks as a glaring specimen of the ancient Lanna culture. The 79 ft. golden chedi, ceremonial parasols, set of rakhangs (temple bells), impressive murals on the interior walls and the sprawling promenade overlooking the spectacular city below cast an enduring mystical spell on the visitors.

Wat Pa Pao- Built in the year 1880, the temple stands as one of the finest specimens of Burmese architecture in Chiang Mai. In the local dialect, “pa" means jungle and hence the name Wat Pa Pao is fairly justified as it was originally built amidst a grove of pao trees. The architectural feature of this temple stands apart from the other temples of Chiang Mai built in Lanna or Thai patterns.

Wat Chiang Man- The temple was built 1297 and is one of the earliest temples of Chiang Mai. The temple houses two famous shrines of Lord Buddha- one is the Crystal Buddha and another is an impressive statue of brass relief.

Wat Jed Yod- One of the hidden gems of Chiang Mai, which is often overlooked by the tourists. “Jed Yod” means seven peaks corresponding to the seven chedis. Wat Jed Yod was built during the 15th century and the architectural flair is uniquely different from the other temples of the Chiang Mai although it has a close resemblance with the Mahabodhi temple in India. During February and March, a grand traditional festival is held on the temple ground which is attended by many tourists.

There are about 300 temples across Chiang Mai and counting each one unique in its own features and religious association. Some of the best-known temples of Chiang Mai that are worth your visit are Wat Phra Singh, Wat Lok Molee, Wat Umong, and Wat Jed Yod.

10. What are the two viharans in Wat Chedi Luang?

Wat Chedi Luang comprises of two viharns (worship hall) which is a must watch inside the temple. The first viharn is a large building built in 1928 which houses the Standing Buddha (Phra Chao Attarot) in the Abhaya Mudra (hand gesture which shows dispelling of fear) position. The statue made from mortar and brass alloy belongs to the 14th century when Wat Chedi Luang was built. 

The second viharn is comparatively smaller in size and has an elegantly decorated frontal facade. The stairway at the entrance is guarded by giant mythical Nagas (snakes).