The area of this temple was the site of a
very old temple called Wat Bupparam King Kuna had a flower garden
adjoining it. When the monk, Pra Sumana, brought the relic of Buddha
from Sukotoi to Lampoon he gave it to King Kuna. Part of the relic was
left in Lampoon and part was brought to Chiang Mai, King Kuna gave his
flower garden to the temple, improved it, changed its name to Wat Suan
Dawk (Flower Garden) and invited Pra Sumana to take up residence there
in 1371. Here King Kuna enshrined one part of the sacred relic and from
here the white elephant carrying the other part of the relic started
his journey to Doi Sutep. The relic miraculously divided into two arts
and each part became as large as the original. For many years the great
sandalwood Buddha from Payao was Suan Dawk and was transferred to Wat
Chet Yod.
To the left of the large Viharn and at a
distance is the Bot which houses an important Buddha called Pra Chao
Kao Tue. It was cate in bronze over 500 years ago. Some say it was cate
when Wat Suan Dawk was set up in 1371 and others that it was cast in
Chiangsan and brought to Chiang Mai. It is one of the most beautiful
Buddhas in thailand and one of the largest metal images. In the
country. The building, which has recently been repaired, is kept
locked. It will be opened on request if the watchman is about.
During the confused centuries of fighting
with Ayudhya and Burma, the Wat fell into disrepair and disuse.
In 1907 the princes of Chiang Mai decided to
use part of the wide temple courtyard to enshrine the ashes of the
family. Attractive Chedis were built, some in the Geylonese style. One
may be identified as that of the Chao Dara Rasami, a consort of King
Chulalongkhorn because it has a star on it. Dara means star. Here
funeral pyres were erected and cremations took place, complete with the
procession of caparisoned elephants.
In 1932 the monk Pra Sri Wichai, decided to
build the Viharn, which was in great disrepair, and make it the largest
in Chiang Mai. He had the assistance of a great number of donors and
volunteers.
by : sakuya | post :
143 | reply :
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วันอาทิตย์ที่ 7 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ 2553 11:37:52
