Imagine striking a gong for happiness. That’s the invitation you receive at Wat Pha Bong. This charming temple in Chiang Mai is also known as Wat Mank Kalaram. It offers a peaceful escape from the city.
Wat Pha Bong is small but captivating. It’s particularly famous for its large gong. Visitors are encouraged to strike it three times. This act is believed to bring happiness, health, and peace. Many tourists eagerly line up to participate in this ritual. Afterward, they make donations. The donations go into a box managed by a cheerful lady. She runs the adjacent shop.
Despite its popularity, Wat Pha Bong remains relatively small. It features a viharn which is a hall and a chedi which is a stupa. There are also monks’ quarters and administrative buildings. The temple aims to attract visitors.
The viharn at Wat Phabong is built in the traditional Lanna style. It has a multi-tiered, overlapping roof. Slender chofa finials adorn the roof. The bargeboards boast a mosaic. Silver and gold glass fragments create the body of a naga. The naga’s head appears to protrude from the eaves. The richly adorned gable end shows gilt foliation on a red background. Floral motifs decorate the columns. The columns support the front. Each column is topped with lotus flower capitals. Two gilt buffalo figures stand above the door. There is also a seated Buddha image.
Inside, the viharn is supported by five pairs of stout columns. These are painted in red lacquer. Floral decorations adorn them. Murals decorate the walls. These murals depict scenes from the Buddha’s past lives. The main altar features a Buddha image. The image is in the Subduing Mara pose. It sits beneath a painted Bodhi tree on the back wall. Several smaller Buddha statues and photos of revered monks accompany it.
Adjacent to the viharn is a small chedi. It’s painted gold. It’s located near the west wall. It has a square base with indented corners. Four niches contain sitting Buddha images. Gilt scrollwork decorates these niches. Above the base, the chedi takes on a circular form. It rises to a bell-shaped structure. A gilt hti finial tops it.
Wat Pha Bong also houses a shrine. This shrine is dedicated to King Naresuan. He was a revered warrior king. He fought to liberate Siam from Burmese occupation. This was in the 16th and 17th centuries. A life-size statue of King Naresuan stands as a tribute. The statue is painted black and holds a spear. Visitors will also find offerings of stucco cockerels near the shrine. These symbolize the king’s involvement in cockfighting. This was during his time as a prisoner of the Burmese.
In the center of the courtyard is a large stucco Buddha image. Kneeling devata figures and birds surround it. A sign encourages worshippers to recite a mantra. This mantra is to overcome Mara. Mara is the Buddhist equivalent of the Devil. Visitors are invited to strike the gong for happiness and health. Then, they can make a donation. Near the gate stands a Bodhi tree. Flags and Buddha images adorn it. Here, offerings can be made.
As you leave Wat Pha Bong, remember the sound of the gong. Think of the peace within these walls. This small temple offers a unique glimpse into Lanna culture. Its beauty and serenity will linger in your memory long after you depart. Remember too, Wat Pha Bong is open from 5.00am to 6.00pm, and entry is free.