What if I told you that right here stands a temple with roots stretching back to the 15th century? This is Wat Phuak Taem. It is a Lanna-style temple established during King Tilokkarat’s reign.
Wat Phuak Taem sits near the southwest corner of the moat. While the original temple dates back centuries, the current buildings are over 100 years old. These structures include a viharn a chedi an ubosot and a relatively new ho trai building.
Let’s begin with the viharn at Wat Phuak Taem. It showcases classic Lanna architecture. Notice the multiple-tiered overlapping roof. Naga bargeboards decorate its edges. Gilt chofas adorn its apexes. The gable end boasts richly carved foliate work in gilt panels. Four columns support a portico. Two nagas guard it. They emerge from the mouths of makaras in the Lanna style.
The main door is equally impressive at Wat Phuak Taem. Intricately carved figures of a kinnari and a kinnara grace it. These mythical creatures are half-human and half-bird. They are believed to offer protection and dispel evil. Three pairs of makara or sea-dragons border the doorway. Curiously each has human hands instead of claws.
Now turn your attention to the chedi of Wat Phuak Taem. It follows the Lanna style. It features a high square base with four niches on each side. Each niche houses standing Buddha images decorated with gilt. The base supports an octagonal mid-section. It rises in diminishing layers. This supports the bell. The gilded bell is decorated with colored glass pieces near the top. Above it is the neck of lotus flowers. A Burmese hti or umbrella finial sits on its pinnacle.
The ubosot at Wat Phuak Taem is a newer structure. It has plain white concrete walls. There are few windows. It features a two-tier overlapping roof. Nagas decorate the bargeboards. Chofa finials are at the apex. A gilt umbrella sits on the roof’s ridge in the middle. The gable end is decorated with carved foliate designs in gilt. Below the door plain wood has gilt handles shaped like yakasa heads. The building has recently undergone a refurbishment.
The ho trai or depository is also new at Wat Phuak Taem. It has a standard design. A concrete base and walls form the lower level. A wooden upper floor sits above. The lower floor is undecorated in whitewash stucco. It has a single window on each side with wooden shutters. The upper floor has a wooden balustrade. It surrounds a central wooden section. This section has a cruciform split roof with four gable ends. These are in plain black lacquer with little adornment. Nagas decorate the roof edges in white and gilt. Chofa finials adorn the apexes.
Finally consider the ho rakang at Wat Phuak Taem. This bell tower calls monks to rituals and mealtimes. It is a small tower on a pole. A bell hangs in a housing with a roof. An elaborate gilt umbrella tops it.
Wat Phuak Taem stands as a testament to Chiang Mai’s rich history and artistic traditions. Its blend of Lanna-style architecture and intricate details offers a glimpse into the past. Take a moment to appreciate the artistry and devotion that went into creating this sacred space.