The Wat Prasat in Chiang Mai was probably founded towards the end of the 16thcentury. It is an attractive temple complex, located in the old walled part of the city opposite the Wat Phra Singh.
The Wat Prasat temple contains an ubosot (ordination hall), a viharn (prayer hall) and two chedis (pagodas). The ubosot, viharn and one chedi are constructed in a straight line.
The Lanna style viharn
The classic Lanna style viharn that was built in 1823 is a wooden structure, set on a stone base. It has a steep three tiered roof with chofah decorating the top ends. The panels on the entrance as well as the pillars are intricately decorated with carved flower motifs in Lanna style.
The stairs leading to the entrance of the viharn contain large Nagas (mythological snakes) guarding the building.
Tunnel connecting the viharn to the chedi
A unique feature of this temple is the short tunnel that connects the viharn to the chedi behind it. Usually the viharns principal Buddha image is found towards the back of the wall opposite the entrance.
At the Wat Prasat the center of the back wall contains an ornately decorated entrance to a short tunnel that leads to the chedi directly behind it. The sitting Buddha image that can partly be seen from the viharn is actually inside the chedi.
On either side of the tunnel entrance a number of Buddha images are seated on pedestals about 1 meter high. One of the images is a bronze dating back to 1590, the others are stucco and of a more recent date. Part of the viharns walls are decorated with murals from the early 19th century.
Viharn of the Wat Prasat
Name
Wat Prasat
Date
End of the 16th century
Location
Intawarorot road
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai