Wat Phra That Doi Saket
About
Details
- Province
- Lamphun
- Coordinates
- 18.87233, 99.14007
- Sources
- Wikidata
In depth · English
History and legend
According to legend, the Buddha visited the mountain (later Doi Saket) and offered his hair upon a nāga. This significant event is believed to have marked the sacred site where the temple was subsequently constructed. The temple is believed to have been built in 1112. The Buddhists initially gathered to worship a stone pagoda. To improve its size and stability, a concrete stupa was later constructed.
Kruba Kae, a monk from Mueang District in Nan Province, built a vihara and renovated the pagoda, officially establishing the site as a temple named 'Wat Phra That Doi Saket' on January 6, 1612. Over time, villagers settled in the surrounding foothills and nearby areas, prompting the government to establish a district named 'Doi Saket' after the temple. The temple received royal patronage and was granted official third-class royal temple status on February 7, 1918. Every year, on the 15th day of the 6th lunar month, the sacred relics are brought down from their enshrined place for Buddhist devotees to pay their respects.
In 1835, Phor Noi Inthachak renovated the old vihara. Later in 1912, Kruba Chai from Wat Luang Nuea (now Wat Sri Mung Muang) repaired the vihara, improving it and enlarging the pagoda.
In the early 1990s, the artist Khun Chaiwat Wannanon undertook a significant artistic endeavor, painting stunning Buddhist murals on the temple walls. This project spanned over four years.
Near the main pagoda stands a four-faced vihara, constructed in 1977. Within the temple grounds, a footprint believed to be that of the Buddha was discovered in 2013. The footprint is approximately 9 inches long and 4-5 inches wide. A shrine has since been built over the footprint, allowing devotees to pay their respects.
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