Wat Ku Tao... continued from Click here!
Wat Ku Tao(Off Sanam Kila Road).
This temple lies in a quiet compound containing several large trees. The main feature is the unusual chedi, which is shaped like a series of begging bowls stacked on top of each other. The origin of the chedi is a mystery. The name Ku suggests a charnel ground and Tao a round pot shape - thus it may have been built to keep the ashes of a Burmese noble in the late 16th or early 17th century.
Wat Mahawan(Thapae Road)
The origins of this temple may be traced back to at least the 17th century, making this one of the temples founded during the Burmese occupation.
Many of the temple buildings show a b Burmese influence, particularly the viharn by the west wall. This was sponsored by a wealthy Burmese agent acting for teak companies, and was probably constructed in the late 19th century.
The compound also contains a Burmese-style chedi and large wooden scripture library that serves as the abbot's kuti. The small ubosot and large viharn next to it at the eastern end of the compound are typically Lanna. The viharn was renovated in 1957 and may have been first constructed around 1865.
Bright modern murals may be seen on its walls. Panels on the north wall show the Vessantara Jataka and on the south wall show scenes of the Buddha meditating as he gained enlightenment.
Paintings on the wall behind the main Buddha image show a typical Bo tree with an idyllic scene depicting a state of nature that has long since disappeared from the northern hills.
(Maninopharat Road)
This is the finest example of a Shan temple in Chiang Mai. Though the Shan - style viharn is quite different from northern styles, the most striking feature is the sunken courtyard. It was built in 1883 by Shans who wished to have a place to practice their forms of Buddhist worship. Decorated gates tilt precariously and numerous statues of mythical beings give the place great charm. An unusual flat-roofed ubosot topped with a chedi has a vaulted interior which contains three Buddha images.
(Phrapokklao Road)
Once part of Wat Chedi Luang, the temple got its name from the "thousand furnaces" that were used to cast the images for the main temple. The large viharn is a rare example of a former ho kham - a royal hall. Originally on stilts and used as a residence by Chao Mahawong (r. 1846 - 54), the building was rebuilt as the viharn in 1876.
Flooding earlier this century damaged the building and concrete was used to replace some of the original structure. Though the central style dominates, the woodcarvings above the door and windows are Lanna. The gable overlooking Phrapokklao Road has fine woodcarvings. A curled sleeping dog beneath the peacock motif probably symbolizes the birth year of the royal sponsor. At the back of the temple compound is an aviary and fish pond.
See also: [Crystal Sons] [The Maha Rart - the Great Birth] [Stucco] [The Naga and Makara]