Unclear origins shroud Wat Lok Molee in mystery. Let me tell you the story of this serene sanctuary. Wat Lok Molee stands just outside Chiang Mai’s old city walls. It is one of the city’s oldest and most impressive temples.
The name Wat Lok Molee first appeared in historical documents in 1367. King Kuena invited ten Buddhist monks from Burma. He wanted them to spread Theravada Buddhism. These monks resided at Wat Lok Molee.
King Ket, also known as Mueangketklao, commissioned the large chedi in 1527. In 1545, he had the Viharn built. The Mengrai Dynasty maintained Wat Lok Molee. The ashes of several members were housed here including those of its founders. Queen Wisutthithewi’s ashes are interred in a chedi at Wat Lok Molee.
The temple fell into disrepair after the dynasty’s demise. It was abandoned during World War II. Recently, it received a facelift that beautifully restored it. The towering chedi dominates the skyline. It is one of the largest in Chiang Mai.
The chedi features a large square base. Niches hold Buddha statues. Celestial beings flank both sides. These are known as Vada figures. The brickwork is left bare. This contrasts the stuccoed chedis of other temples.
The Viharn boasts a classic design. It was tastefully designed with plain dark wood. This is a change from the brightly decorated Thai Wats. The Viharn is decorated with mosaics and reliefs. They adorn the hall’s walls. They show the different Buddha positions of the week. The Viharn saw a major overhaul that contributed to its current beauty.
Wat Lok Molee is notable for its massive stupa. It is 490 years old and built of red bricks. It stands without cement after all this time. The stupa enshrines several sacred objects.
The temple grounds cover a small area. Wat Lok Molee manages to convey lots of history. Its architecture is fabulous. Subsidiary statues, images, and carvings are intriguing. Elephant sculptures flank the entry path. Trees with fluttering metal leaves hang on them. There are silver leaved trees with gold coins. Gold leaved trees have silver coins.
Hindu Gods are worshiped here. You can see a Ganesha shrine in one corner. There is also a Brahma statue. The multi-armed Maha-Chundi wears an ornate crown. It has an image of the Buddha.
Wat Lok Molee is aligned along a north-south axis. Most Buddhist temples face the rising sun. At the rear of the main hall is a massage area. There is also an aluminium workshop. Craftsmen hammer away at metal slabs. They create new doors to the main Viharn.
Wat Lok Molee deserves a decent visit. It is an old site of significant importance. It is not the same as other temples in the area. Its surroundings are serene. The main hall is a nice refuge from the hot sun. The monks are helpful and appreciate English conversation. Wat Lok Molee is open daily from morning until 6 pm. Please dress respectfully.