Wat San Pha Yang Luang ‘With various stunning carvings’
For those who think of going to a temple as admiring beautiful architectures beside of praying, then don’t miss this temple in Lamphun.
Wat San Pha Yang Luang is one of the ‘5 most beautiful temples in Thailand’. It was built in the year 531, quite old. The impressive part is, it was built by villagers, as they wanted to bestow it upon Buddhism. The temple is also the first Buddhist temple of Lanna Kingdom.
The elaborately carved stucco can be seen all over the monastery area, especially in Phra Khong Khiao Viharn. Beautifully carved stuccos are seen everywhere in the Viharn including the gable and the cornice on the four sides.
The pillars, as well as every window and door, of the Viharn are carved and covered with gilded lacquer. Phra Khong Khiao Viharn, built in 2548 B.E., is enshrined with the Phra Yok Khiao Buddha image, which was taken from the Maekhong River.
The official name of the Buddha image is Phra Puttha Anya Ratana Maha Nathi Sri Hariphunchai. It was named after Gautama Buddha, the latest Buddha.
The large Buddha image below Phra Khong Khiao is the image of Metteyya Buddha. The image is the imitated version of the Buddha Metta of Buddhakaya which was built after the figure of Guatama Buddha when he attained enlightenment.
However, at some time in the past, Wat San Pha Yang Luang was once abandoned. Later, in the period of Queen Camadevi, it was renovated. For your information, the legend says that this temple was the location of Camadevi’s cremation.
The temple was then re-named Wat Sun Pha Yang Luang after the Yang Na, the giant gum trees that were abundant here. These trees shoot to the top of the canopy and can live over 700 years. Their Thai name “Yang Na” is a composite of 2 words “Yang” meaning resin or rubber and “Na” meaning ricefields. This tree was commonly found in and around ricefields.
The beauty of wat San Pa Yang Luang is hardly explain in words. Let’s take this, it’s full of stunning carvings. These artworks are around the temple. Just see for yourself. Carvings are everywhere: poles, walls, roofs, statues, stairways etc. They’re all in white and black tone.
There are many important zones in the temple, for examples, the bell tower, the ubosot, the gate, the vihara, the pagoda. The pagoda is the most interesting part, as it contains the relics of Lord Buddha’s followers.
How to get there
Once again, this is a temple in Muang County. It won’t difficult to get there. Just go along Sai Ton Yang Road until you find your way to turn left at the block next to the municipality office.
Or from Lamphun city, Starting in front of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, turn right onto the road to Chiang Mai and drive along about 1 kilometre. You will find the ESSO petrol station on the left side. Turn right onto Chareon Rat Road Soi 10. Drive along to the end of the road and you will see the white wall of Wat San Pa Yang Luang.
Nearby Places
This is the monument of the first ruler of Hripunchai. You can pay respect to her. The monument is only about 2.31 kilometres away. Her statue is located on an empty concrete lot.
- Wat Phra That Hripunchai
You can reach this temple within 2 minutes. Just go and take a look at the golden pagoda, which is decorated in Lanna style. Admire other architectures too. There are many of them around the temple.
Don’t forget to visit thie marvellous museum before going anywhere. It’s on;y 1.72 kilometres away from the temple. You will learn a lot about the history of Lamphun at this place, with over 3,000 ancient exhibitions!
This museum is also good for learning history. Just about 1.74 kilometres of travel an you will arrive at it. This place contains many exhibitions: texts, photos, and things from old periods. Surely you must haven’t seen those before.
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