Beneath the golden spire, secrets of a community echo. Wat Ton Pao stands here. It is not just a temple but a testament to Chiang Mai’s diverse heritage.
Wat Ton Pao was established in 1883. It became the first temple for the Shan community in Chiang Mai. Many Shan people migrated from Burma. They sought work in the teak logging industry. They also needed a place to practice their Buddhist faith.
Inthawichayanon founded Wat Ton Pao. He was the 7th ruler of Chiang Mai. Mom Bualai, his Shan consort, supported him. Together, with the Shan community, they built this sanctuary.
Notice the distinctive chedi. It showcases Burmese-Shan architectural style. The chedi has a bell shape. It sits on a triple-tiered square base. A golden spire and hti crown it. Look closely. You will see four qilin at each corner. These mythical creatures have a lion’s body and a dragon’s head.
Two assembly halls grace the courtyard of Wat Ton Pao. The first hall has a seven-tiered pyatthat roof. It rises over the eastern end. A hti tops it. The second hall, mostly teak, lies west of the chedi. It features a multi-tiered zeitawun wooden roof. This roof is dyed red. It shows scenes of Mount Meru.
Inside Wat Ton Pao, discover a Thai Ping style Buddha image. It dates back to 1487. Many Buddha images display Shan or Burmese features. These details reveal the temple’s unique cultural blend.
Wat Ton Pao serves as a community center. It provides schooling for children in the Shan dialect.
Each April, Wat Ton Pao hosts the annual Poy Sang Long festival. Boys are inducted as novice monks. Shan people parade in traditional clothing. The procession moves through the city. It displays vibrant cultural pride.
Step inside the new viharn. It is a modern building. Murals depict Burmese-Shan religious practices. They also illustrate day-to-day life. The steps are guarded by figures in Shan costume. One even draws his sword.
The old viharn dates back to the 1880s. Peer inside to see the main altar. Faded murals adorn the walls. Old cabinets hold Buddha images. The roof has a chedi-like structure. Gold and green glass fragments decorate the upper levels.
Behind the new viharn stands a red wooden structure. It likely dates back to the temple’s founding. The five-tiered roof is covered in slates. Carved wooden birds’ wings embellish the bargeboards.
The chedi’s fading whitewash reveals the details of its structure. Mythical lion figures once gleamed with gold. Miniature statues of Shan men holding long poles add a charming touch. These are modern additions that blend seamlessly.
Wat Ton Pao stands as a symbol. It represents cultural preservation and community spirit. Its Burmese-Shan architecture tells a story of migration, faith, and artistic fusion. The temple continues to be a living testament. It honors Chiang Mai’s diverse heritage. It enriches the cultural landscape.