Background
Phrathat Hariphunchai is located inside Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai Woramahawiharn. It was built around 897 by King Athittayarat, the King of Lamphun city. Having a strong faith in Buddhism, the King introduced Buddhism to his city by adopting the Buddhist practice in this predominantly Mon city. He ordered the construction of a Mondop to hold the relics of the Buddha. which consisted of the crown of a skull, chest bones. finger bones and a number of other relics. The original Mondop was 3 wa (6 meters) tall and was completed with four cardinal points. The Mondop has undergone several restoration works, the most important one being in the reign of King Mangrai when he conquered Lamphun city. King Mangrai ordered the restoration and amendment of the structure to adopt the Lanka rounded base Chedi style to replace the original rectangular structure.
During the reign of King Tilokkarat of Chiang Mai city, Phra Maha Mathangkon was assigned to supervise the construction of the structure until its completion as it stands today. The structure is 23 wa (46 meters) tail. The width of the base is 25 meters. At the top of the structure is a seven-tiered umbrella, the tip of which is adorned with topaz.