Wat Phra That Doi Kham, Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Kham is a significant temple in Chiang Mai Province, over 1,300 years old.

It also houses the Phra Chao Tan Jai, which is over five hundred years old.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham was built in 787 CE during the reign of Queen Chamadevi, King of Hariphunchai. The temple was built by her two sons. It includes a chedi containing the Buddha's relics, a sermon hall, monks' quarters, and a stucco Buddha image. Originally named Wat Suwannabanpot, the temple was later known as "Wat Doi Kham." In 1966, while Wat Doi Kham was deserted, a crypt was opened, revealing numerous artifacts, including the Phra Rod Luang, a large gilded sandstone Buddha image, and the Phra Sam Mo (clay) Buddha image. These artifacts were enshrined at Wat Phra That Doi Kham for local worship.

Legend of "Phra That Doi Kham"
It was once the home of a giant couple named Chikham and Ta Khiew. The villagers later called the two giants "Pu Sae and Ya Sae."
Pu Sae and Ya Sae had one child named "Sudeva Rishi."
Doi Kham was named after a dream in which the two giants received a hair relic from the Buddha. Heavy rains over several days eroded the water and carried gold ore from the mountainside and streams into the cave entrance, thus the mountain was named "Doi Kham."
According to various legends, angels brought the hair relics given by the Buddha to Pu Sae and Ya Sae and buried them, building a stupa on the mountain. Later, in 787 CE, Chao Mahantayot and Chao Anantayot, the twin sons of Queen Chamadevi of Hariphunchai Nakhon, built a stupa over the hair relics. A second stupa, Phra That Doi Suthep, is located on a high hill to the north of Doi Kham.

Location: Phra That Doi Kham is located in the Doi Kham area, behind Royal Park Rajapruek. It's about 10 kilometers from the city center.
You can drive there yourself or use public transportation.

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Post by One Chill Journey | Feb 20, 2023