Wat Jed Yot, Phra Aram Luang — Attraction in Chiang Mai Province

Wat Maha Bodharam or Wat Jedyod was established by King Tilokarat in 1455 A.D. He ordered his artisans to imitate the styles of Mahabodhi Hall of Bodh Gaya (in India). It is assumed that the aim of this project was to celebrate the 2,000 anniversary of Buddhism. Also, he intended to make a reproduction of the place where the Lord Buddha gained the enlightenment, and to establish a temple for Udompanya, a monk who traveled back from Lanka. He also had a Bodhi tree, which the monk brought back planted here, hence the temple is named "Wat Maha Bodharama." King Tilokarat ordered the construction of Sattamahasathan or the Seven Great Places where the Lord Buddha enjoyed the bliss of enlightenment The Buddha resided in each place for seven days, so he totally spent 49 days in these places. Sattamahasathan is composed of the Diamond Throne, Animisacedi, Rattanachonkrama, Rattanagharacedi, Ajapalanigrodha (Banyan tree), Mucalinda Pond and Rajayatana The eighth Buddhist council was held in this temple in 1477 A.D., during the reign of King Tilokarat. This is considered as the first Buddhist council in Thailand. The plan and style of Mahabodhi Hall are similar with those of Mahabodhi Hall in India: the Bodhi tree is in the back of the hall; the edifices representing Sattamahasathan are situated in the same directions as those of Bodh Gaya; the hall has Sikhara tops which are reminiscent of the art of Northern India. The Bodhi tree or the Diamond throne was the place where the Lord Buddha obtained the Buddhahood The walls of the hall are ornamented with figures of divinities, which represent the celestial assembly in the occasion of the Lord Buddha's enlightenment. They traveled from thousands of universes to express their congratulations to the Lord and spread heaven flowers. The styles of those divinities bear a resemblance to the Lanka art while the ones of falling flowers show the influence of the Chinese art. In this temple, there are also ice ished in the later period, such as chedi of King Tilokarat, which was built by King Yod Chiangrai to house the ashes of King Tilokarat in 1491. and the ordination hall with Ku Kanchan which was built during the renovation by...

Wat Jed Yot – A Peaceful and Historic Gem in Chiang Mai

Wat Jed Yot, located in Chiang Mai, is a serene and historically rich temple that’s perfect for anyone seeking a quiet escape or an insightful glimpse into Thailand’s cultural heritage.

Highlights • Free Entry: Visiting Wat Jed Yot won’t cost you a baht, making it a fantastic destination for budget travelers or anyone wanting to explore at their leisure. • Spacious Free Parking: The temple provides plenty of free parking, making it convenient for those traveling by car or motorbike. No hassle, no stress! • Tranquility: The temple grounds are peaceful and shaded, ideal for a meditative stroll or simply relaxing while taking in the beautiful architecture. • Unique Design: Wat Jed Yot is known for its distinctive seven-spired chedi, a design inspired by the Mahabodhi Temple in India. It’s a fascinating blend of Thai and Lanna architecture with historical significance. • Rich History: Built in the 15th century, it was the site of the Eighth World Buddhist Council. For history buffs, this temple offers an immersive look into Chiang Mai’s religious past.

Tips for Visitors • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the calm atmosphere and avoid the midday heat. • Dress modestly as it is a sacred site. • Take your time exploring the chedis, statues, and ancient structures – they each have their own charm.

Conclusion

Wat Jed Yot is a must-visit for anyone exploring Chiang Mai. Whether you’re drawn by the unique architecture, historical significance, or the peaceful ambiance, this temple offers something for everyone. And with free entry and parking, there’s no reason to miss...

A Hidden Gem in Chiang Mai

Visiting this 15th-century Lanna Kingdom temple was an unforgettable experience. The architecture is truly unique and remarkably well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history. The temple grounds are expansive, providing plenty of space for a peaceful walk surrounded by greenery. It’s an incredibly serene and tranquil place, never crowded, which makes the visit even more enjoyable.

Modeled after Mahabodhi temple The viharn is built in a style completely different from the other Lanna style or more recent Rattanakosin style structures. It was probably modeled after the Mahabodhi temple in Bagan (Myanmar) or the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya in India, where the Buddha reached enlightenment.

The entrance is free, and donations are welcome to help maintain this beautiful site. There are drinks available on-site, making it easy to stay hydrated while exploring. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so your furry friends can join you on this cultural adventure.

This temple is a real hidden gem that many people miss, but it’s definitely worth a visit....