The northern Thai shrine of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep was founded in 1386. by King Kue Na under miraculous circumstances. According to legend, the relics of the Buddha, a precious relic, were placed in the chedi (stupa) of Wat Suan Dok temple in Chiang Mai. However, the relic mysteriously proliferated and the question arose as to where to to place it. Since the exact location could not be chosen, it was decided to place the relic on the back of a white elephant. the relic on the back of a white elephant and give it the right to choose a suitable location. of the future temple. After a long walk, the elephant came to Doi Suthep Mountain, trumpeted three times, turned round three times and died. The temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep was built on top of this mountain. built on the top of this mountain.
The construction of the temple was carried out over several years with great difficulty, all the had to be lifted up steep slopes to a height of 1,000 metres through the impenetrable jungle. through impenetrable jungle. The road to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep was not built until 1935. 1935. Nowadays, reaching the temple is not a problem, and the preserved nature around the road is a delight with waterfalls and waterfalls. road, the nature preserved around the road is a delight with waterfalls, more than 300 species of birds and much more.
On the way to the temple, pilgrims face a challenge: a long staircase with 300 steps. (If you wish, you can use the funicular railway located nearby.) However, all the hard work will be rewarded: from the platform of Vata Phrathat Doi Suthep offers a magnificent view of the whole of Chiang Mai and its surroundings.
The temple grounds include a statue of the famous white elephant, as well as a magnificent gilded chedi. A magnificent gilded chedi modelled on the temple of Phrathat Haripunchai in Lamphun (the main temple of the former kingdom of Lamphun). Around the chedi are 4 4 openwork golden umbrellas, which are a marvellous example of art in the style of Lanna style.
Two of the most important Buddhist events are celebrated annually at the Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple. Buddhist events - Maha Puja (the anniversary of the Buddha's preaching) and Vishakha Puja (the birthday of the Buddha). Both festivals are celebrated with a solemn candlelight procession starting from the the foot of the mountain.
