Doi Suthep Temple: Legend of the Revered Monk

1 Full day Patrick Chiangmai Tour

A fascinated package one day tour especially when you and family have a limited day visiting to Chiangmai, covering many of the highlights of Central Chiang Mai and it's immediate surrounds...Read More!

Chiang Mai is home to ancient Lanna culture and hundreds of pristine temples. Among a plethora of renowned monasteries, stands prominently Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – the most famous temple in all of Chiang Mai which overlooks virtually all locations in the city. As its name suggests, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is nestled in the midst of ultimate greenery on top of Doi Suthep Mountain to the east of Chiang Mai city.

At Doi Suthep Temple is situated the most revered golden Pagoda in which Buddha’s holy relics are housed. The copper-plated Pagoda is considered the most famous landmark of Chiang Mai and those who visit Chiang Mai and not paying a visit to the Pagoda are said to have never actually arrived at the city. Getting to the temple, you will be taking the 12-kilometer road winding furiously through lush forests and climbing up the steep sides of the mountain.

Doi Suthep Temple has a long history dating back into the previous century. The history of Doi Suthep would not be complete without mentioning “Kruba Sri Wichai”™, the most revered and devout monk of Lanna Kingdom. He initiated the construction of the road to the top of Doi Sethep while making his stopover at the Phra Singha Temple during his ongoing pilgrimage throughout the North of Thailand.

Legend has it that Kruba Sri Wichai had a premonition that the construction of a road to Doi Suthep Temple would be accomplished within six months (which was a mission impossible during those times). In his supernatural vision, the monk envisaged a hermit in white arrays took him by the hand to pay homage to the Pagoda, walking along the “non-existing road”™.

Inspired by the divine intervention, Kruba Sri Wichai along with 20 monks, novices and villagers gathered at the foot of the mountain, with a will to accomplish the task which Thai Government considered “unaffordable”. The monk struck his hoe in the ground exactly where his shrine, which you will find at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain, is located today. The construction was wholly driven with great faith in the temple as much as in Kruba Sri Wichai.

As the construction was nearing the temple, more and more people from Chiang Mai’™s vicinity thronged into the city, looking forward to be part of the history of Buddhism in Lanna. In spite of an overwhelming workforce of hundreds of people, the construction was very challenging since the road needed to cut through thick thriving forests in which dangerous wild animals were dwelling. After five months and 22 days of tremendous labor, the road was eventually accomplished.

Phra That Doi Suthep Temple has become the most popular temple in Chiang Mai thanks to the contribution of Kruba Sri Wichai and his people. Doi Suthep Temple has many unique features including the 300 step stairway etched with a mythical 7-headed Naga snake, On the courtyard of the temple, the Doi Suthep Golden Pagoda is erected in the middle. To the left of Doi Suthep Pagoda, there is an open marble deck that offers a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole Chiang Mai city. This truly scenic view has to be seen to be appreciated.

Though the temple is located on top of Doi Suthep Mountain and accessible only by a winding road, it is very easy to visit Doi Suthep. At the base of the mountain, in front of Chiang Mai Zoo, there is a small “red car” taxi station. You will be traveling Thai-style in a “Song Taew”™ truck or red car to the base of Phra That Doi Suthep. For those who look for a more private commute, you can call a metered taxi from anywhere in Chiang Mai.

It is believed that Doi Suthep Temple, which is seen from anywhere in the city area, has been overseeing and protecting the beautiful capital of Lanna Kingdom for centuries. All Chiang Mai residents pay utter respect to the temple and hosts many events on Buddhist holidays. One special event is Visahabucha Day, when people walk up and back Suthep to celebrate the auspicious occasion of the deeds of Kruba Sri Wichai.

By Siwawut Chaiya

www.thailand-travelonline.com