Do you know about the temple of the Golden Stupa? Today we are visiting Wat Ku Kham. It was formerly known as Wat Chedi Liam. The temple stands as a testament to Chiang Mai’s rich history. Wat Ku Kham is an ancient temple with its roots dating back to 1287.
King Mangrai the Great established Chiang Mai as a new city. After that, Wat Ku Kham became a vital religious center during the Lan Na era. This temple is still a place of worship today. Resident monks continue the traditions.
Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city. King Mangrai built it. It was his capital before he moved to Chiang Mai. Wiang Kum Kam was flooded and abandoned over 700 years ago.
The chedi at Wat Ku Kham has five tiers. It is a design common in the early Lanna period. This design shows Mon Haripunchai influence. Each corner has a large lion facing outward. Buddha statues show different mudras on four tiers.
The main hall at Wat Ku Kham is well-decorated inside and out. The temple’s stepped pyramid rests on a square base. The pyramid features five tiers that get smaller as they rise. Each tier has three niches. Sixty images of standing Buddhas reside here. They all wear yellow robes.
Arches above the niches on the second and third tiers feature mythological Naga serpents. Other tiers display flower motifs. This is a common theme in Lanna temples.
Wat Ku Kham was restored in 1908. A generous Burmese trader financed it. He added Burmese touches to the original Mon style. Look for the Chinthe statues. These mythological lions appear in many Burmese temples. A Burmese spire was added to the corners of the five tiers. A golden Burmese hti spire tops the chedi.
The viharn has a two-tiered roof. It was built in the early 20th century. A Lanna-style gable adorns the front. It features ochre and gold. Naga snakes guard the entrance. The viharn houses the temple’s main Buddha image.
The ubosot is also known as the ordination hall. It is ornately designed in Lanna style. An intricately carved wood barge board marks it. Chofah finials also decorate it. Wat Ku Kham has undergone changes. Yet it continues to be a spiritual anchor. It is a reminder of Chiang Mai’s enduring cultural heritage. It links the past to the present.