Sunday, January 9, 2022
Back to Wat Sri Suphan for Tok Sen

I am several days behind in my posting to my blog. I am fine here in Chiang Mai, just a bit busy. As I have mentioned, I fall into something of a routine while I am in Chiang Mai, with my day revolving around the yoga practice at Wild Rose Yoga. And today seemed very similar. After yoga practice, my friend Rudy from France and I made our way to Khun Kae’s Juice for a smoothie bowl. Some fruit always hits the spot after yoga. Then I headed back to See You Soon to get cleaned up and rest a bit.

Then I made my way back to Wat Sri Suphan for another tok sen session with Noon. After a few sessions with Noon, I can feel that some of the tight muscles in my upper back and legs are not as tight and not as painful when she is working on those areas.

Rudy arrived for his session after mine, and while waiting for him, I again walked around Wat Sri Suphan and took a few more photos. This temple is familiar, and also beautiful. Because of the reduced tourism, Wat Sri Suphan is much quieter than in the past.

Wat Sri Suphan

Another picture of the main viharn (assembly or worship hall) at Wat Sri Suphan:

The viharn is not exceptional, a fairly common style in northern Thailand, formerly Lanna. A slight deviation from the norm (and there really is no “norm”) is the two singhas, also known as cinthes (mythological lion-like guardians), guarding the entrance. In Lanna-style temples, a more typical entrance guard would be the naga in place of the cinthes. Normal or not, it is a very beautiful viharn.

Just to the right of the entrance, there is another statue of King Kaeo and his Queen.

In many viharn, there are pictures inside on the sides depicting what seem to be significant events in history or of the Buddha’s life. Stepping into the viharn at Wat Sri Suphan, the sides have similar pictures, but rather than being painted, they are hand-hammered metal like that on the famous ubosot nearby. Here are two, and since there was no English translation, I can only guess at what is taking place.

This appears to be the Buddha carrying a maiden, perhaps carrying her across a river, or saving her from some danger.

This appears to be the Buddha battling with a Naga or other serpent. Regardless, the intricate metal work is very nicely done, and quite beautiful. The main Buddha image or statue at the head of the viharn is a stunning gold:

I then left the viharn and walked back by the Silver Ubosot, the main attraction at Wat Sri Suphan and why it is so famous and often busy with tourists. Flanking the Silver Ubosot are two what are called “Buddha footprints.” Here is one on the left, about a meter long.

I do not know the meaning or history of the Buddha footprints. There are a few that are about this size at a few temples in the Chiang Mai area. There is one at Wat Fai Hin further to the west that is about two meters in length. That one is challenging to see because there are several dogs at Wat Fai Hin, who do not at all like strangers and approach barking loudly.

Off to the side of the ubosot are these silver Yakshas, giant guardians, guarding the Silver Ubosot.

And finally for today, the entrance to the Silver Ubosot. I think I may have taken this photo fifty or more times over the years. Every time I am impressed at the craftsmanship and beauty.

After Rudy’s tok sen session, we walked back to the old city. Rudy wants to make the hike to Wat Phalad, so we will meet tomorrow afternoon and I’ll return to Wat Phalad.

Next: A second hike to Wat Phalad