Wat Lok Moli — Attraction in Chiang Mai Province

Wat Lok Moli is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai. The exact date of its construction is unknown. The first mention of the temple appears in the 14th century, to be exact, in 1367. The history of the temple says: the twelfth king of the Mengrai dynasty, named Ket, or Phra Kaew Muang, invited ten monks from Burma to the city. Their purpose was to spread Theravata Buddhism in northern Thailand. It was these invited monks who founded Wat Lok Molee. At one time the temple was of royal importance. The ruling Mengrai family took it under their protection and responsibility. After their deaths, the ashes of several members of the dynasty were buried in Wat Lok Moli in recognition of the temple’s high status.

In 1527, King Ketklao, also known as Phra Kaew Mueang, founded a large chedi pagoda with a high spire in the temple. The chedi has been restored several times over the centuries and is in very good condition. It is based on a large square base. Each side of the top of the chedi has its own niche in which there is an image of the Buddha. This style of Buddhist chedi is called Prasat.

The niches of the chedi are flanked on both sides by images of mythological celestial beings, known in Thai Buddhism as Tevada, who are revered by Thais. Also, the chedi contains the ashes of several kings of the Mangrai dynasty, who ruled the Kingdom of Lanna. Currently, the brickwork of the great chedi remains almost entirely bare, which distinguishes it from the other urban chedi, most of them covered with stucco.

The temple’s magnificent viharn (assembly hall) was built in 1545. It is the main building of the Wat Lok Moli Temple and has a north-south orientation, although most Buddhist temples in northern Thailand are oriented toward the east, toward the rising sun.

There is another interesting detail on the grounds of the temple Wat Lok Molee. It has to do with the Chinese calendar. Here are twelve small chedis of different shapes, which correspond to the twelve animals of the Chinese calendar, they are located for clarity next to each other. However, there is one difference. Whereas in the Chinese calendar, the last animal is the pig, here instead of the pig is… elephant! Don’t be surprised, the fact is that the elephant is the symbol of Chiang Mai. And, as you can see, there is a place for it in the local interpretation of the...

Wooden architecture. Graceful wood carvings. Use of white on black on the exterior of wooden temple is like the fine jewellery art and sequine studded zari textiles that are so elegant on Thai women and Men. Grand wooden edifice. Very old chedi. Quite impressive in height. Later some contemporary art is visible in small temples to the left of entrance. The first of goddess is a big draw among ladies. Sculpture of seated king elegant. In the open like ancient Daius the creator of Veda and Sumerians is the old Man god with flowing beard. Its a very contemporary work. Google translate talks of Chinese deity of well being and prosperity. I am not sure of what material the long bearded god image is made of. Warm steam was flowing from these temples. Local cultural ethos and beliefs are deeply engrained in these temple visits by our local brothers and sisters who bring offerings of Chinese lamps with name and prayers to Budcha, candles and small and pretty Jasmine garland and elegant white and blue lorus for Buddha. Coming from the land of Buddha it was very touching for me to find his teachings in Thailand so meticulously being practiced albeit with culturally evolving rituals. In Thailand, Metta( Compassion Paali word) in Monastery is the anchor that is practiced for all living Beings: birds animals fishes and humans with equanimity. Secondly in a modern city with blasting sounds of vehicles though intrude the Buddhist concept of silence,peace, equanimity and integration and balance of all existent. Still these Monasteries are heavenly sanctuaries of meditative peace and can cure modern humans of the disease of a digital, electronic, mechanical, instant gratification if you just stay under a tree in these Monasteries meditating and letting cool breeze touch you, fragrant trees, flowers invade your olfactory and birds sing musically to offer your ears the joy of Nature How much we pine for that...

Wat Lok Moli! Get ready for a temple that's got a bit of everything: ancient vibes, stunning architecture, and a name that's fun to say (try it, it rolls off the tongue!) 🗣️✨. Imagine a place where you can wander through centuries of history, feeling like you've stepped into a time machine that's set to "awesome" 🚀🤩.

Picture yourself admiring the intricate wood carvings, the elegant chedi, and the serene atmosphere, feeling like you've stumbled upon a hidden gem in the heart of Chiang Mai 💎🤫. You can light a candle, make a wish, and maybe even try to decipher the ancient inscriptions, feeling like a real-life Indiana Jones (minus the whip and the snakes, hopefully) 🕯️🐍. It’s a place where you can feel like you’re starring in your own archaeological adventure movie.

However, let’s be honest, sometimes "historic temple" can feel a bit like a real-life game of "spot the Instagrammer," where you're trying to find a quiet corner while also trying to avoid being photobombed 📸😅. And while the atmosphere is undeniably peaceful, you might also find yourself questioning your ability to resist the urge to buy all the souvenirs, especially if you're a sucker for anything that sparkles ✨🛍️.

Overall, Wat Lok Moli offers a delightful and enriching experience, a place where you can appreciate the beauty of Thai art and culture, and maybe even find a little inner peace, even if you sometimes feel like you’re participating in a synchronized temple-tour stroll with a hundred...