Si Satchanalai - Wat Chang Lom

One of the most remarkable temples in old Si Satchanalai is the centrally located Chang Lom wat with its well-preserved chedi of laterite and stucco. It was probably begun by King Ramkhamhaeng in 1285 and completed in 1291. The bell-shaped chedi, entwined with lotus leaves stands on two high square pedestals; the higher one is decorated with 20 niches that used to house 1.4-m (41/2-ft) high Buddha statues. Some are still present and depict Buddha in a position of submission to Mara; on the lower pedestal 39 life size elephants have been sculptured, separated by candelabras, giving the impression that they are supporting the building. During excavations and restoration work columns with capitals were discovered behind these sculptures. It is assumed that the walls of the lower pedestal underwent alteration either in the Sukhothai period or in the Ayutthaya period.