Description of the attraction
The Phra That Doi Chom Thong Temple is considered a sacred site. Legends say that the mountain of the same name, on which it is located, became a home for good spirits even before Buddhism came to northern Thailand.
The central place of the temple is the Golden Chedi (stupa). According to ancient records, it was built as early as 940, during the reign of Phray Ruen Keu, Prince of Chiang Rai. The relics of the Buddha, which are stored in it, were discovered and laid by Prince Pangkaraj. The golden chedi is made in a combination of Lanna (northern Thailand) and Bhu-Kam (Myanmar) styles. Its base is a lotus, on which the main body is located, 14 meters high, and a tip in the form of a golden bell.
The elephant played a significant role in the history of Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong. In 1260, King Mengrai came to these lands and decided to build a temple in the city. He sent the elephant in search of a suitable place, and he came straight to the chedi on the top of the mountains. A special room was built for local spirits, not traditional for Buddhism. So they quite calmly began to coexist with Buddhist shrines.
In 1988, 108 City Pillars were located at Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, representing the concentration of all the power of Chiang Rai and a mini-version of the universe. They became known as "Sadu Muang" or "Navel of the City".
The decision to build was made to honor the memory of King Mengrai and to celebrate the 60th anniversary of King Rama IX, the current ruler of Thailand. The city pillars are a mixture of Buddhist and Hindu ideology. Their number - 108 symbolizes the universe, five oceans, and the central pillars - the highest level of spiritual development, nirvana.
