Imagine the Earth Mother deities, Phra Mae Thorani, watching over us here at Wat Pa Phaeng. This temple is a serene escape. It sits just a short walk from the northeast corner of Chiang Mai’s ancient moat.
Wat Pa Phaeng offers a glimpse into Lanna and Burmese architectural styles. It blends history and artistry beautifully. Let’s explore its unique features together.
The viharn is a Lanna-style building. Its roof has two tiers. They overlap and descend gracefully. Look closely at the bargeboards. They feature nagas. These serpentine figures guard the temple. The chofa finials, or sky tassels, adorn the roof’s apexes. The gable end shows carved foliate. Gilt shines against green and blue.
Nagas also guard the portico’s entrance. They extend along the balustrades. The door frame is richly moulded. Above the door, two nagas form an arch with their bodies. Each naga has three heads. A bird decorated with glass glitter sits underneath. Check the lintel for the date 2519. That’s 1976 AD.
The chedi shows Lanna and Burmese influences. Its square base is typical of Northern Thai style. Niches house standing Buddha images. They are on each of the four sides. The circular mid-section rises in five layers. Each layer diminishes in size. A Burmese-style gilt umbrella tops the chedi. Gilt chattras and Deva figures surround the base of the Wat Pa Phaeng.
The ubosot seems recently built. Its walls are plain white. Small doors and windows offer entry. The roof features nagas and chofas. The gable end has foliate carvings. It matches the viharn’s decoration.
The ho trai has two floors. The top floor serves as a depository. A stucco horse stands outside the porch. The windows display decorated mouldings. Pictures of Devata figures are inscribed in gilt. They are on the shutters. The upper floor has a split roof. Nagas, chofas, and an umbrella finial decorate it. The gable end shows regular foliate carving.
The ho rakang is a bell tower. It is built in a solid, modern style. Art deco touches enhance its design. The bell hangs from the upper floor’s ceiling. You sound it by pulling the rope.
You will also find statues of Phra Mae Thorani here at Wat Pa Phaeng. The Earth Mother deities are bare-breasted. This is a common depiction. According to Buddhist mythology, she drowned the evil Mara by wringing her hair. The water represents the Buddha’s earned merit.
Wat Pa Phaeng opens from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Entry is free. Take your time here. Let the temple’s beauty and history inspire you.