“Seven spires reaching for the sky. Can you see them?” That’s how Chedi Chet Yod got its name. Wat Chet Yot or officially called Wat Photharam Maha Wihan is a special temple. It is located in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
King Tilokarat ordered the Chedi Chet Yod built in 1455 CE. He sent monks to Bagan in Burma. They studied the Mahabodhi temple design. This temple was a copy of the Bodh Gaya temple in India. It was where Buddha reached enlightenment.
In 1455 CE the king planted a Bodhi tree here. Then in 1476 CE he built a large sanctuary. This was likely for the 2000-year Buddhism celebration. The 8th Buddhist World Council happened here. They renewed the Tripitaka.
The Maha Pho wihan is the central sanctuary. It looks like the Mahabodhi temple. It has Indian influences. The flat roof has seven spires. This gives the Chedi Chet Yod its name. There is a pyramid-like spire with a square base. Four smaller spires surround it. Two bell-shaped chedis sit atop the main building’s annexes.
Inside is a vaulted corridor. It leads to a Buddha statue. Stairs go up to the roof. A Bodhi tree once grew there. It was removed in 1910 CE. This stopped the structure from collapsing. Only men can go to the roof.
The outside has 70 stucco reliefs. These are Thewada or divine beings. King Tilokarat’s relatives may have been the models for the faces.
The temple grounds have more chedis in Lanna style. These are bell-shaped with Buddha statues in alcoves. King Tilokarat’s ashes are in the largest chedi.
In the northeast corner is a small ubosot. It features a carved wooden gable. Double Bai Sema stones mark the sacred area.
A pond and a square mondop are at the south end. The mondop holds a Buddha statue. A naga shelters the Buddha.
Along the west, find Buddha statues with different mudras. Information plaques explain the gestures.
Chedi Chet Yot is a pilgrimage site. People born in the year of the Snake come here. Built by King Tilokarat. His remains rest in one of the smaller chedi.
The architecture is a mix of Thai Lao Indian and Chinese styles. Look at the seventy thewada bas-reliefs. They are a Lanna kingdom art masterpiece.
In 1477 the temple hosted the 8th world Buddhist council. They clarified doctrinal issues. But the records are lost. “Chet Yot” has other spellings. These include “Chet Yod” “Jet Yot” or “Jet Yod”.
As you leave Chedi Chet Yod remember its history. Think of the monks the kings and the art. The seven spires will stay in your mind.