Paying respects at the Emerald Buddha Temple in Chiang Rai

Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai Province

.. Located on Trairat Road, Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province, Wat Phra Kaew is a third-class royal temple of the common type, established since 1978.

.. Originally named Wat Pa Yia or Wat Pa Yie (in Pali, Yarukkhawanaram), due to the large number of Yia trees within the original temple grounds, it is a temple of significance. In 1977, the chedi of Wat Pa Yie collapsed on its own (only the royal commentary and the legendary chants of the Emerald Buddha, composed by King Rama IV, mentioned that the chedi was struck by lightning), revealing a plaster Buddha image gilded with gold leaf. It was then placed in the vihara of Wat Pa Yie. Later, the plaster around the Buddha's forehead flaked off, revealing the emerald core.

.. Today, the Emerald Buddha is enshrined at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram in Bangkok. Consequently, Chiang Rai Province has replaced it with the Chiang Rai Jade Buddha.

Post by Than.a | Jul 7, 2024