Wat Sri Suphan, Chiang Mai's Silver Temple 💬

🇹🇭 Wat Sri Suphan (วัดศรีสุพรรณ), literally the ‘Prestigious Golden Temple’, is actually nicknamed the ‘Silver Temple’. This Buddhist temple in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่), which was established in the year AD 1501, during the reign of Phaya Meuang Kaew (พญาเมืองแก้ว) in the Mengrai (เม็งราย) Dynasty, in order to enshrine a Buddha statue known as Phra Chao Chet Teu (พระเจ้าเจ็ดตื้อ), i.e. the so-called Miraculous Buddha, under the King's command. Chet Teu is one of the sacred Buddha statues of Chiang Mai. In 1502, an abbot was appointed, followed by the construction of a wihaan (วิหาร) or sermon hall in the subsequent year, whilst a chedi (เจดีย์) or stupa was built in the year after that. In 1509, the ubosot (อุโบสถ) or ordination hall was consecrated and Phra Chao Chet Teu enshrined. Over the centuries, the ubosot has undergone multiple reconstructions due to the deterioration of its construction materials. The last restoration took place between AD 2004 and 2015 and was initiated by the temple's Abbot Phra Kru Phithaksuthikhun (พระครูพิทักษ์สุทธิคุณ). The refurbishment incorporates embossed silverwork, known in Thai as kaan salak dun (การสลักดุน) and which uses repoussé and chasing techniques. These aluminum-and-silver decorations are meticulously crafted by local Lan Na (ล้านนา) artisans using primarily alloy materials, and are mostly representations of characters or themes from Buddhism, Thai and Lan Na folklore, dharma (धर्म) puzzles, and flame-like kranok (กระหนก) designs. The artisans have used a splendid blend of Rattanakosin (รัตนโกสินทร์) and Wua Lai (วัวลาย) styles, the latter being a local community known for its skilled silverware production, notably silver embellishments. Hence, despite its name, which literally means ‘Prestigious Golden Temple’ or ‘Temple of the Honorable Gold’, the temple is today actually nicknamed the ‘Silver Temple’. https://www.thailex.info/THAILEX/THAI... #วัดศรีสุพรรณ #silvertemple #chiangmai #watsrisuphan #เชียงใหม่ #yvesmasure #thailex