Today’s post continues my visit to Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai. Remember the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace in Bangkok? Well, Wat Chedi Luang is where it was found in the 15th century. The jade image had been encased in plaster to protect it from invasions. This whole area was often subject to Burmese invasions.

The Wat Chedi Luang complex is also the site of the city pillar of Chiang Mai. The pillar was moved to this complex in 1800, when the Lanna king at that time, Chao Kawila, planted three dipterocarp trees to help the pillar protect Chiang Mai. The pillar has its own shrine on the site.

The entire temple complex is filled with different shrines and images of Buddha. Each one demonstrates distinctive Lanna architecture, unique from the other temples I’ve seen in southern Thailand.

Title quote: Buddhist saying posted at the temple