Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple

Chiang Mai

Doi Suthep Temple

Like all ancient shrines, legends for this mountain top temple of Doi Suthep are abound. One tell a wandering 14th-Century monk, a dying elephant, a hermit and villagers coming together to build a road to a holy shrine. Of course, the strategic and vantage point still holds good up till today.

This14th-Century monk from Sukhothai had a vision one day was led by a light pointer. He found a relic, in the form of a bone presumably from the Buddha himself. He presented this important find to the king. Unfortunately the treasure he found had no magical powers and his efforts were set aside. Meanwhile King Keu Naone of the Lanna Kingdom heard of this find. Ordered the monk to be in Chiang Mai. Said that he believe in the find and would enshrine the relic. Soon a proper building was erected and preparations to install its resting place. Legends has it that the relic mysteriously broke in two. That led the king came out with a wise idea and to revised his plan.

At the northern gate of the old city, he placed half of the relic on the back of his sacred white elephant and sent it off into the wilderness. The departure point was later named as Chang Puak or white elephant gate. The elephant headed west and climbed the slopes of Doi Suthep. He trumpeted a last call and then dropped dead.

On that spot,, the temple was built in 1383. Now, Doi Suthep is something related to the hermit's name, Sudeva. who lived on the mountain. The name was chnaged from its previous Sugarcane Elephant Mountain or Doi Aoy Chang in Thai.
Doi Suthep is easily accessible by public transport. 16 kilometers northwest out of Chiang Mai, past Chiang Mai University and ascend the winding road up the mountain to the base of the temple. Upon arrival, you can either hike up the 280 steps to the temple gate or hike a ride on the cable cars. We like many, opt for the walk.

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Rising 1676 metres above the city of Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep is one of the most revered religious destinations in Thailand. It is often crowded with visitors, all kinds. It is also here that you could get yourself associated with the longest Naga staircase in Thailand lining on the stairway up.

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Typical with Chinese temple layout, the rums are on right and the bell is the left.

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A monk in the Wat in Nahkon Si Thammarat taught me, if I practice hard enough! By caressing the hump in the centre of this gong, it would resonates. Notice that particular spot is well polished.

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On top was a beautiful Buddhist Temple complimented by a beautiful view. There were a couple of outer buildings. The Temple is walled. Very obvious outside the wall of the main temple are the many Temple bells (rakhang in Thai). Ring them softly if you wish to.

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The bird's eyes view of Chiang Mai city below.

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From another Angle

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Too much walking eh?

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Well, every one took time to rest!

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Except the very young ones.

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This one last picture!

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Down!

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Souvenir shops

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Our guide!

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Yes, evreyone needs company

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The administrative office

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Small shrine looking building hosing souvenir shops,

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Statue - the much revered White Elephant

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At the bottom of the stairway were souvenir shops.

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An attempt in night view - see the dot of light floating half way That's the Doi Suthep seen at night.

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Day time Yes faintly with naked eyes.

It is marvelous temple on one of Chiang Mai's infamous peak. The temple itself was truly and incredible sight to see - truly worth the walk through the numerous steps. The infrastructure is very well maintained and clean. The viewpoint was just breathtaking; it was a great to catch the sight of Chiang Mai at dusk. Lots of beautiful adornments and intricate wood carving are also worth exploring throughout the temple.

Other than that, we were lucky enough to see devotees circulating the main golden stupa, carrying large yellow sheet of exquisite silk along with all the visitors there. The large silk sheets were intended for wrapping around the base of the stupa; although, Overall, a beautiful temple in great weather and also an incredible experience! Absolutely worth visit when in Chiang Mai