Chiang Mai - Wat Chiang Man

Wat Chiang Man in Ratchaphakinai Road, the oldest of Chiang Mai's monasteries, was built by King Mengrai in 1296 even before the city itself was founded. The king probably lived here while his palace was being completed.

Although restored many times over the years the wiharn still retains its original appearance. The double-tiered roof, embellished with darting nagas, falls low in a slight curve towards the ground. Note the elaborately carved gables above the main entrance, the latter flanked by two lions. A tablet with an inscription in Thai marks the spot where King Mengrai is said to have died in 1317. The interior of the wiharn, divided by teak columns into three aisles, contains two Buddha images of particular note, the first being a large gilded statue and the second a replica bas-relief of the sacred Buddha Sila - the original of which, held in safe keeping by the abbot, is brought out only once a year for a special ceremony. Believed to date from the 8th c., and Indian in style, it is credited with rainmaking powers.

Also kept under lock and key by the abbot is the Phra Sal Tang Kamani, the rock crystal figure on a gold base known as the Crystal Buddha. It was probably presented to Chama Thevi, Queen of Haripunchai, in 663, and was carried off by King Mengrai after the fall of Haripunchai in 1281. Wat Chiang Man boasts in addition a chedi supported on a base of fifteen stone elephants, the upper section being clad in gilded copper. There is a small bot, and a modern sala.