The ancient city of Chiang Mai is not big, but there are many temples of various types in it.Wat Phan On (Phan On Temple)Also among them, how are the temples here different from that along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok?The temples in the ancient city of Chiang Mai are mostly small corners, occupying a small area, but you can still see the magnificent Nalan architecture style, meticulous carvings, and golden yellow gold paint all over the eaves.
Taking advantage of the bright sky in the morning, we set off on our motorcycles. The cool breeze and the rustic taste of the city made me want to stay in Chiang Mai for a long time.
The ancient city of Chiang Mai in the morning does not have the same crowds as yesterday afternoon. The business hours of these businesses along the way are around 10 o'clock in the morning and XNUMX o'clock in the morning... Maybe they are still preparing for the day’s needs, or maybe still in a charming dream, but at the gate of the city. The large flock of pigeons here should adhere to the belief that "early birds get worms" and gather here early to wait for the passing elderly to feed them.
In fact, there are only a few important roads in the ancient city’s roads and the four city gates. You can easily master it if you ride a motorcycle more than a few times, so we ride indiscriminately, stop and walk around when we see the temple. Look, instead of specifically arranging to visit Wat Phra Singh (Phra Singh).Sometimes travel is more casual, and the sudden surprises are even more surprising.
▲ In the early morning, I am in a good mood to welcome the beginning of the day.
There is a large group of pigeons at the back of the square, and the elderly chatting freely while feeding them.
The religious culture of Thailand is respected by the Buddha. There are many monk schools in the temples in the ancient city of Chiang Mai, because in Thailand, every man needs to have the experience of becoming a monk.However, if an elder in the family dies, they will be allowed to be monks in the temple for three days.
In addition, they can choose to become a monk "at any time"!And the length of the monkhood is not limited, and he can return to the vulgar at any time.Unlike the Buddhist monks in Taiwan, Thai monks are allowed to "marry," "have children," and "eat meat." During the period of the husband's ordination, the wife still pays homage to him when she sees him. It is true that he cannot often come to the temple to find someone.Many young boys and monks in the temple actually come to school and can go home at XNUMX o'clock in the afternoon.The temple here is not only a school, but also a place for local people to relax and entertain. There are food stalls, singing and dancing in the temple, and there are also good men and women who burn incense and worship Buddha, which is very harmonious.
So when we passed by Pasing Temple, we saw groups of young monks walking in, and they gathered together in a similar way to Taiwan's elementary schools. Driven by curiosity, let us visit inside.
▲ They stood in line and listened to the instructions of the school teachers.
After the "chamber meeting" was over, they entered the classroom one after another.Visiting the temple building with Wendy, I found that the Thai people are very pious. I saw local people come to worship the Buddha, make incense, put flowers, and donate merits. Some believers would even kneel in front of the monk beside the Buddha statue to pay respect. A bouquet of incense dipped in water swayed on the believer's head.
Wat Phra Singh (Phra Singh Temple) is the largest Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai and the most elevated temple.It was built by King Meng Lai in 1345 and was mainly used to enshrine the ashes of his father. After many expansions, it became the current scale.In front of the temple, there are two giant dragons inlaid with stained glass sheets and colorful glazed tiles. On both sides of the stone steps, the dragon's head is high and majestic. The length is about 150 cm. The dragon body rises up and down with the stone steps and stretches to the Buddhist temple. The entrance is very spectacular.It is recommended that friends who visit here can arrange for about 30 minutes to appreciate these exquisite Buddhist art.
There is a big golden pagoda about 20 meters high in the middle of the temple. It is reported to have been built in the 16th century. The pagoda contains the relic of Buddha Shakyamuni, and the top of the pagoda is a crystal lotus gift from the King of Thailand.In addition, Wat Phra Singh is also one of the main places where people celebrate the Songkran Festival every year!
▲I am very impressed with their maintenance and preservation of these cultural relics. ^^
▲ Go to the next temple!
◎ Wat Phra Singh.Wat Phra Singh
– Address: Sri Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
