What if these ancient stones could speak? Wat Cham Thewi whispers tales of queens and kingdoms long past.
Wat Cham Thewi stands as a testament to Lanna art. It is located in Lamphun Province. Legend says that the son of Queen Cham Thewi built this temple. He built it for her cremation.
This temple has been respected since the Lanna period. Its pagoda is the highlight. The pagoda shares a square shape like Buddhakaya in India. It stores the relics of Queen Cham Thewi. This is a very stunning architecture. You may want to pay a little respect.
Wat Cham Thewi is significant for its two unusual chedis. These pagodas were built around 1218. The largest is a square stepped pyramid. It is the oldest surviving example of this type. It comes from the Dvaravati period. This kingdom ruled much of present-day Thailand. It was from the sixth to eleventh centuries.
Each tier of the chedi features standing Buddha images. There are 60 in all. Each image strikes a different pose. Elaborate arches frame them. The pagoda supposedly contains Queen Chamadevi’s ashes.
The main prayer hall sits adjacent to the large pagoda. Inside is a large Buddha image. It sits on a brightly decorated altar. Three smaller Buddha images are set against the columns. They are cast in colored glass. Each image wears a different costume. They represent the three seasons of Thailand.
Wat Cham Thewi is not very large. But it’s surely peaceful and worthy of visiting. Besides the pagoda, you can see other architectures. These include Naga handrails and the vihara. Also see the ubosot and the principle Lord Buddha statue. Admire the glorious carved wooden wall. Spot the statues of gods and goddesses.
Lamphun is one of Thailand’s most historically significant cities. Before Lanna, Haripunchai was the dominant force. A queen from Lopburi established it in the 7th century. Haripunchai was a major cultural center. Religion and the arts thrived here for centuries.
King Suppasit restored the chedis of Wat Cham Thewi. The classic Haripunchai-style Buddha image was also established during his reign.
The temple suits anyone wanting leisure sightseeing. You can take photos and make merit. Make a wish and pay respect to holiness.
Wat Cham Thewi is also known as Wat Ku Kut. It was named after Queen Chama Thewi. However, it was built in the 12th century. This was several hundred years after her reign. It is widely considered one of the most important temples in Thailand. It is known for its classical architecture.
The temple is most known for its Suwanna chedi. These chedis usually consist of five tiers. They are all square-shaped. Each tier contains a series of three niches for standing Buddha images. Overall, these chedis are quite rare in Thailand nowadays. Wat Cham Thewi is one of the finest examples of this style.
The Mahapol chedi is made of laterite. It stands 21 meters high. Supposedly, it was built to mark a victory over Lopburi. Lopburi was Haripunchai’s former sister state. This is one of only 5 such chedis in Thailand.
The other chedi at Wat Cham Thewi is octagonal. It was the first octagonal chedi ever built in Thailand. It’s known as the Ratana chedi. It was constructed out of brick. Eight standing Buddha images can be found in its lower niches.
Remember Queen Chamadevi as you explore Wat Cham Thewi. Her legacy lives on in these ancient stones.