Not far from the market square in Chiang Rai is the Wat Phra Singh Temple, founded in the 14th century by King Phra Chao Maha Prom about 100 years after the city itself was founded.
The temple's name is given to the golden statue of Phra Singh Buddha, famous throughout Thailand, which has travelled as much as the Emerald Buddha. Her name means "Buddha in the Lion's Pose."
According to legend, the statue of Phra Singh Buddha was created in 360 in Sri Lanka, from where it was later removed. Desired by many rulers, the statue has also travelled to Laos and various cities in Thailand. The Wata Phra Singh in Chiang Rai houses a replica of the Phra Singh Buddha created in the early 15th century. However, it, like the original, attracts many Buddhist pilgrims.
The main materials used in the architecture of the temple are dark wood and gold, which when combined look particularly majestic. The decorations inside and outside Vata Phra Singh are exclusively handmade by skilled northern craftsmen. Thousands of small details and patterns preserve the warmth of those who lovingly created the Wat Phra Singh temple.
The temple complex has a school for the ancient Pali language, in which most of the Buddha's teachings are written.
The grounds of Wat Phra Singh are home to two sacred Sala Lanka trees, which have important religious significance for all Buddhists. According to legend, Queen Maha Maaya, mother of Shakyamuni Buddha, decided to visit her relatives. On the way, she sat down to rest under a blossoming Sala Lanka tree, which is where the Buddha was born on the full moon of May 623 BC.
