Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai

Last updated 2008-02-15

Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai is an important temple in the minds of the Thai people and was once the location of the revered Emerald Buddha, now located in Bangkok. It was originally known as Wat Pa Yier (Bamboo Forest) but is now known by it's current name thanks to the discovery of the Emerald Buddha within the Stupa in 1434.

Today, the main Wihaan houses the 700 year old Phra Chao Lan Thong Bronze Statue, one of the largest in Thailand and is pictured here. The building itself is a wonderfully preserved wooden structure with exquisite carvings and decorations. The entrance is guarded by the classic naga design stairs.

Just behind, the temple's Chedi is typically Lanna style. The lush green gardens are tended by monks, busily sweeping leaves and watering the plants.

The Emerald Buddha has now been replaced with a new Marakot image in honour of Her Royal Highness Somdej Phrasrinkharintra and was installed at Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai in 1991.

The temple is located on Thanon Trairat and any driver will know where it is, as will any local person if your Thai is up to asking directions.

A Brief History of the Emerald Buddha

The following text is written at the entrance to the Temple grounds...

According to Ratna Phimwong chronicle, the Emerald Buddha was sculpted around 234 B.C. By Gods as a gift to venerable Nagasen Thera of Pataliputra (now Patna bihar State India). Later the image was moved to Sri Lanka. King Anurudha of Pagan (Myanmar) requested the Tripitaka and the Emerald Buddha from Sri Lanka. On the return voyage, the boat carrying the image was swept ashore in Cambodia. The newly-arrived treasures came into the hands of Cambodia. Subsequently the image had moved to Indrapatha (Angkor), Sri Ayudhaya, Lopburi and Kampaeng Phet.

In 1390 A.D. King Mahabhrom of Chiang Rai took the image from Kampaeng Phet and hid behind stucco inside the pagoda of Wat Pa Yiah, Chiang Rai. It was until 1434 that a bolt of lightening struck the Pagoda, revealing it's sacred treasure. Thereafter the Emerald Buddha had moved from place to place as follows...

Chiang Rai for 45 years from 1391 to 1436
Lampang for 32 years from 1436 to 1468
Chiang Mai for 85 years from 1468 to 1553
Laos for 225 years from 1553 to 1778
Bangkok from 1778 to present

The Emerald Buddha is the palladium of Thai society. Located on the grounds of the Grand Palace and enshrined in the Royal Chapel of Wat Phra Kaew, the Emerald Buddha watches over the Thai nation.

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