Wat Ko Sa Liam

“Temple of the Squared Pagoda,” is what Wat Ko Sa Liam translates to. It’s one of the most notable religious sites in Wiang Kum Kam, a place with a rich history, where the past whispers through ancient stone and crumbling walls. King Mangrai, the founder of Chiang Mai, established this ancient city in 1286-87, shortly after conquering Lamphun. Wat Ko Sa Liam, originally known as Wat Ku Kham, was built by King Mangrai to honour the spirit of the place. It was a time of great change and immense power, and the king wanted to create a spiritual anchor for his new city. The chedi, the most prominent feature of the temple, is a masterpiece of Mon style architecture. Its five-tiered stepped pyramid, topped with a golden hti, resembles the Mahabol chedi of Wat Ku Kut in Lamphun, a temple King Mangrai admired greatly. The chedi is adorned with 60 Buddha statues, each one reflecting unique variations in their hand gestures, known as mudras. You can spot these statues in niches on each tier, each one offering a glimpse into the profound meanings of Buddhist philosophy. While the temple still functions today, the current buildings were renovated in 1908 by a Burmese trader, with many of the details reflecting Burmese style. Imagine the stories that these aged walls could tell, tales of kings and artisans, of faith and devotion. The temple is a window into the past, reminding us that the spirit of Wiang Kum Kam continues to thrive in the heart of Chiang Mai.