Wat Pa Dara Phirom Royal Monastery
#Rainy season attractions
Wat Pa Dara Phirom, a royal temple located in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, is one of the most important and beautiful temples in the northern region of Thailand. Here are some interesting facts:
History and background:
* Origin of the name: The temple was originally a cemetery and was once the residence of Phra Ajahn Man Phurithatto while he was on a pilgrimage. Later, a portion of the land, which was in the royal palace area of Princess Dara Rasmi, the daughter of Phra Chao Inthawichayanon, the ruler of Chiang Mai and the consort of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), was donated to the temple, which led to the name being changed to "Wat Pa Dara Phirom" in honor of him.
* Status elevation: It was declared a temple on December 21, 1938 and later received the royal charter of the boundary markers. And raised to the status of a third-class royal temple, ordinary type, which is considered the 7th royal temple of Chiang Mai Province.
* Current abbot: Currently, Phra Thep Wachirathibodi (Ritthirong Yanawaro) is the abbot and provincial ecclesiastical chief of Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Mae Hong Son (T.)
Important architecture and buildings:
* Lanna architecture: Wat Pa Dara Phirom stands out with its exquisite Lanna architecture, which reflects the identity of Lanna art very well. It combines Lanna art in Chiang Tung, Thailand, China, Laos, and Burma.
* Royal Vihara (Ho Kham Luang): It enshrines Phra Sayamphu Lokanat, a Buddha statue in the meditation posture, Sukhothai art, which is beautiful and peaceful.
* Phra Chao Tan Jai Pavilion: Built in the Lanna art style of Chiang Tung, inside enshrines a Buddha statue in the Chiang Saen Singh art style.
* Phra Maha Chedi Rattana Mongkol: It is a beautiful chedi. Inside enshrines the relics of the Lord Buddha. And you can see a 360-degree view from the top of the pagoda.
* Ho Kittikun: Built to celebrate the 80th birthday of Phra Phutthaphon Waraphon (Chan Kusalo), which collects his history and honors.
* Ho Phra Kaew and Ho Phra Kammatthana: Part of the temple area used for religious activities and meditation.
* Statue of Chao Dara Rasmi: Inside the temple, there is a statue of Chao Dara Rasmi to commemorate her important contribution to the temple.
Atmosphere and Visit:
* The temple has a shady, quiet atmosphere, suitable for making merit, worshiping Buddha, and practicing meditation for peace of mind.
* Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
* Dress should be polite and neat to show respect for the sacred place.
Wat Pa Dara Phirom is therefore not only an important religious site, but also an important source of learning about history and art in Chiang Mai Province.