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| Wat Phra Luang Lampang North Thailand |
- The most impressive site in Lampang Province is Wat Phra That Lampang Luang.
This was one of the four wiangs and the site of numerous battles. It
became a Burmese garrison in 1729. The Vihan was originally constructed
in the 13th C and rebuilt in 1802 and the Chedi was enlarged in 1449
and 1496. Both are spectacular and are set in a walled wiang, high on
an earthen mount of medieval appearance. The Lan Na art and architecture is outstanding and the fortification remains of three ramparts and two moats are impressive.
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- The most beautiful temple of Lampang, indeed, many would argue
in the whole of north Thailand, is to be found in Ko Kha District, some
twenty kilometres southwest of the city.
- Wat Lampang Luang
literally, the Great Temple of Lampang was originally a wiang, or
fortified temple, protected by massive earthen ramparts. First
established in Mon times, during the time of the Kingdom of
Haripunchai, the tall central chedi is believed to contain a genuine
Buddha relic and is widely revered by Thai people as a whole, as well
as the Khon Muang in particular.
- On important religious
holidays, notably at Songkran (the traditional Thai new year) and at
Loy Krathong, each November full moon, Wat Prathat Lampang Luang
attracts huge crowds of devout worshippers both from Lampang and from
more distant provinces. Particularly venerated is the Phra Kaeo Don
Tao, a jasper Buddha image believed to be possessed of great mystic
power.
- In architectural terms, Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang is
the most elegant and best preserved Lan Na temple to be found anywhere
in the north. The central viharn, featuring a triple-tiered wooden roof
supported my massive teak pillars, is thought to be the oldest wooden
building in Thailand. Early 19th century murals from the Buddhist
jatakas, or life stories, are painted on wooden panels within the
viharn. The lintel over the main entrance to the compound is worthy of
notice, featuring an impressive intertwined dragon relief once common
in northern Thai temples, but rarely seen today.
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