Five Neighborhood Temples, part 3

Monday, November 27, 2023
Wat Inthakin

South of and adjacent to the Monument to the Three Kings is a very old temple, Wat Inthakin, or more formally Wat Inthakin Sadeu Muang. This is where, it is said, the city pillar called “Inthakin” was erected in 1296 by King Mengrai when Chiang Mai was founded. “Wat Sadeu Muang” means “Temple of the naval of the city” reflecting its central position in the old city. The Inthakin pillar was moved from the temple to Wat Chedi Luang by King Kawila in 1800 and today the pillar is venerated each year around May during the Inthakin Festival.

Because of it being so close to the Three Kings Monument, this temple is one of the most visited in Chiang Mai. Today, with the Loy Kratong festivities taking place all around the city, this temple is decorated for people to take pictures and post on their social media. Here is an overview photo I made as I got close to the temple. Many people here today.

A closer view of the “tunnel of color” decorations:

And I could not resist and asked a group of three ladies from London to take my photo under the colorful decorations:

Joining in getting a photo under the decorations

The viharn is an example of the Lanna temple architecture, and the combination of the dark teak, with its coating of almost black lacquer, and the gilt decoration is quite beautiful. I did not go inside – it is already crowded with tourists.

The chedi at the back of the viharn appears to be in some need of cleaning and/or preservation.

New Unnamed Temple

A year ago I saw a temple in the process of being constructed. Being that there are at least 50 temples in the old Chiang Mai city, the need for yet another temple is not clear. Nevertheless, I walked to that location to see the progress. It was farther away than I remember, but I persisted and found it. Much progress has been made. Here are some contrasting views. first the viharn (worship hall) now and a year ago: