Imagine Indra the Lord of Heaven bestowing a pillar to protect the people from evil. This wasn’t just any pillar. It was the Sao Inthakin. We are standing before Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang. This temple holds a story of protection and prosperity for Chiang Mai.
Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang is more than just a temple. It is a historic site. It is located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City. Its name “Sadue Muang” means “city pillar”. The temple houses Chiang Mai’s City Pillar. This pillar was originally placed here to protect the city. Locals believe the Sao Inthakin ensures the area’s well-being.
King Mengrai of the Lanna Kingdom placed the pillar here in 1296. This marked the center of his new city. Wat Inthakhin became spiritually significant because of this pillar. But in 1800, King Chao Kawila moved the pillar. He moved it to Wat Chedi Luang. The annual Inthakin Festival is still held there today. The temple was abandoned during the Burmese occupation. This occupation ended in 1774.
Look at the ornate viharn. It is the assembly hall. It was recently built to enshrine the temple’s Buddha images. Before this building the images were in a simple shed. Notice the dark wooden building on a stone base. It is Lanna style. The carved barge boards have Naga serpents. Golden chofah adorn the rooftop. The front gable is intricately decorated.
See the Naga stairways leading to the entrance. Large pillars support the wooden roof inside. The viharn enshrines Luang Pho Khao. This principal Buddha image was made in 1794. Kawila ordered it before he became King of Lanna.
Take note of the two brick chedis. They are the oldest structures here. One is on each side of the road. The circular chedi dates back to the 15th century. It was built over an older one. The other chedi is octagonal. It dates back to the 14th century.
Adjacent to the temple is the Inthakin Museum. It shows life in the Lanna Kingdom days. There are paintings of historic events. There are displays of people wearing 13th-century clothing. You will find old musical instruments and ancient weapons. There are utensils, pottery, and Buddha images too.
Each year, Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang is part of the Inthakin Festival. This festival honors the city’s founding. It also celebrates the protection of its citizens. The festival includes prayers and offerings. These ceremonies aim to ensure the city’s prosperity.
Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang offers a glimpse into local Buddhist practices. It reveals the spiritual heart of Chiang Mai. Remember the story of Indra’s pillar. Remember King Mengrai’s vision. This temple stands as a reminder of Chiang Mai’s enduring spirit.