the WatLokMolee is of the city’s older temples. The temple that is also known as the WatLokMoli holds one of the largest and most impressive chedis in Chiang Mai.
Although the exact founding date of the temple is not known, it is likely that the first structures were built during the 14th century. The temple was probably a Royal Wat, since the Kings of the Mengrai dynasty maintained the temple.
King Kuena who ruled Lanna during the second half of the 14th century is said to have invited a number of monks from present day Myanmar to Chiang Mai to spread the teachings of the Buddha. During their stay in Chiang Mai the monks lived in the WatLokMolee temple.
The massive chedi of the WatMolee
The massive chedi was built in 1527 when it must have dominated the area. It has been restored several times over the centuries and is in good condition. The chedi sits on a large square base. Each side of the upper part of the chedi has a niche that contains a Buddha image. The niches are flanked on both sides by thevada figures, a kind of celestial beings. The chedi contains the ashes of several Kings of the Mengrai dynasty, who ruled the Lanna Kingdom from the end of the 13th century until 1558 when the Burmese invaded the Kingdom.
A viharn was built around the same time as the chedi. Of this building nothing remains. The chedi and the brick foundations of the ubosot (ordination hall) are the only original structures still in existence today.
At the end of the Lanna Kingdom and the rule of the Mengrai dynasty the temple probably lost its importance. In 1558 the Burmese invaded Lanna and it became a tributary state. Burmese rule lasted more than 2 centuries and ended in 1775 after a revolt led by Chao Kawila of Lampang.
Abandonment and renovation
During the end of the 18th century the city of Chiang Mai was abandoned and the WatLokMolee was likely left deserted and fell into disrepair. Only during the second half on the 20th century the temple was renovated.
The viharn in front of the chedi was built in 2003. This wooden structure is built in traditional Lanna architectural style. The front entrance of the building is guarded by two large Nagas, the mythological serpents. The panels on the front of the viharn contain finely sculpted wooden carvings. The viharn contains a large Buddha image seated opposite the entrance.
A teak wooden pavilion in the temple complex holds a statue of Queen Chiraprapha, who ruled the Lanna Kingdom from 1545 until 1546. The WatLokMolee temple complex also contains kuti, the living quarters for the monks. The large decorated gateway providing entrance to the temple complex is guarded by two large guardian figures.
the WatLokMolee is of the city’s older temples. The temple that is also known as the WatLokMoli holds one of the largest and most impressive chedis in Chiang Mai.
Although the exact founding date of the temple is not known, it is likely that the first structures were built during the 14th century. The temple was probably a Royal Wat, since the Kings of the Mengrai dynasty maintained the temple.
King Kuena who ruled Lanna during the second half of the 14th century is said to have invited a number of monks from present day Myanmar to Chiang Mai to spread the teachings of the Buddha. During their stay in Chiang Mai the monks lived in the WatLokMolee temple.
The massive chedi of the WatMolee
The massive chedi was built in 1527 when it must have dominated the area. It has been restored several times over the centuries and is in good condition. The chedi sits on a large square base. Each side of the upper part of the chedi has a niche that contains a Buddha image. The niches are flanked on both sides by thevada figures, a kind of celestial beings. The chedi contains the ashes of several Kings of the Mengrai dynasty, who ruled the Lanna Kingdom from the end of the 13th century until 1558 when the Burmese invaded the Kingdom.
A viharn was built around the same time as the chedi. Of this building nothing remains. The chedi and the brick foundations of the ubosot (ordination hall) are the only original structures still in existence today.
At the end of the Lanna Kingdom and the rule of the Mengrai dynasty the temple probably lost its importance. In 1558 the Burmese invaded Lanna and it became a tributary state. Burmese rule lasted more than 2 centuries and ended in 1775 after a revolt led by Chao Kawila of Lampang.
Abandonment and renovation
During the end of the 18th century the city of Chiang Mai was abandoned and the WatLokMolee was likely left deserted and fell into disrepair. Only during the second half on the 20th century the temple was renovated.
The viharn in front of the chedi was built in 2003. This wooden structure is built in traditional Lanna architectural style. The front entrance of the building is guarded by two large Nagas, the mythological serpents. The panels on the front of the viharn contain finely sculpted wooden carvings. The viharn contains a large Buddha image seated opposite the entrance.
A teak wooden pavilion in the temple complex holds a statue of Queen Chiraprapha, who ruled the Lanna Kingdom from 1545 until 1546. The WatLokMolee temple complex also contains kuti, the living quarters for the monks. The large decorated gateway providing entrance to the temple complex is guarded by two large guardian figures.
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