Wat Phra Singh one of the most beautiful wat in Chiang Mai
Phra Singh temple was constructed inside the old city walls at a time when Chiangmai was the metropolis of the northern Thai Lanna or Lan Na kingdom.
Phra Singh temple is also known as “The Monastery of the Lion Lord buddha” or “The wat of the Lion Buddha” is an active temple, with hundreds of monks and novices living there. The Wat Phra Singh houses a number of highly revered and very old Buddha images. The Wat Phra Singh dates back to the 14th century when Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, and is one of the best examples of basic Lanna style wat buildings in Northern Thailand. The wat grounds have a number of classic Lanna style structures. Between Songkran festival in April when traditional Asian new year is celebrated the Phra Singh images is carried through the streets of Chiang Mai during which local people can honor the statue by watering water over it.
Phra Singh temple was constructed in 1345 by King Pha Yu for the ashes of his faher, Ruler Kham Fu. It may have been the initially monastery to house the Emerald Lord buddha, that later resided in Chidi Luang temple and is now enshrined in Phra Kaew temple, Bangkok. The temple is named for the Lord buddha statue it housed in 1367, the Phra Singh (Lion Buddha). The wat-monastery knock down into disrepair as Chiangmai's population declined in the 18th century, but repairing began in the early 19th century under Chao Kawila. The labor continued under his beneficiary, Chao Thammalangka, who commissioned the art work in Viharn Lai Kham.
Phra Singh temple attractions
The biggest structure in the wat is the Viharn Luang. The original viharn was made towards the end of the 14th century, but was replaced by the current building in 1925. This spectacular viharn houses a very highly revered Buddha sculpture named Phra Chao Thong Tip. This gold and copper sculpture of a seated Buddha was cast in 1477.
The Viharn Lai Kham is a classic example of a Lanna style viharn and was created to house the Phra Sihing sculpture enthroned inside. Lai Kham refers to the sophisticated gold tracery used for decoration. The front of the building is in 3 tiers. The porch has exquisitely carved gables and also an majestic stucco sum on top of the main doorways. On the inner walls of the Viharn Lai Kham are some painting originally commissioned by Chao Thammalangka. These are famous for their period design and the detail depicting earthy northern Thai scenes and the ways of the Burmese Court. The painting display two allegories. Prince Sang Thong of the Golden Conch lies on the north wall and the Heavenly Phoenix takes up the south. The fables display the long suffering of heroes battling against the powerful forces of enormous before Indra intervenes and allows good to eventually success.
The Haw Trai (wat library) is another magnificent building which has Buddhist scriptures. It is located on the left of Viharn Lai Kam . It is believed to have been constructed at the end of 15th century. This building shows irrefutable evidence of the very highly skilled craftsmanship of this period. worthwhile noting mainly are the stucco figures of Thai celestial characters around the walls.
Phra Phuttha Sihing Lord buddha images The Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image was originally housed in the vihara to the south of Phrathat chedi in Wat Phra Singh, Muang District, Chiangmai. Phra Phuttha Sihing is an ancient Lord buddha statue in the gesture of meditation made of bronze and covered with gold. The Lord buddha statue is 79 centimeters high with a lap width of 63 centimeters, and is in the Lanka style.
A trip to Phra Singh temple provides you a luxuriant glimpse into Lanna temple art and architecture. A lot of the buildings have undergone several renovations but still hold on to the original feel. If you have half a day, this temple is assuredly worth trying out. For a great one day guided tour that includes a visit to Phra Singh temple please see Chiang Mai Day Tours
The Phra Singh temple is positioned in the old walled town centre of Chiangmai. The main entry is at the end of Ratchadamnoen road. Also in the old walled city and at strolling distance are the Wat Chedi Luang and the Chiang Man temple.
Entrance cost & opening time
The wat commonly is open every day from 6 am to 5 pm. Entrance ticket is free.