Thailand - Chiang Mai - Phra Singh Temple

Wat Phra Singh (wat means temple) is one of the most revered temples in Chiang Mai. It is located within the walls of the old city at the western end. Like other large Buddhist temples, Wat Phra Singh is not just one building but a complex of many including a assembly halls, libraries, monasteries, ordination halls, and chedi (where relics are enshrined). Some of the buildings date back to the 14th century but most have been restored or rebuilt – some several times – over the centuries.

Wat Phra Singh



I'm not sure if this is supposed to me a serpent or a lion but such guardians of some sort are commonly found at temple entrances.


I was really disgusted at a tourist who poked his camera right in the face of these monks. Then I realized they were wax figures.














Half an elephant emerges from each of the four sides of this Chedi.






It wouldn't be a religion if it didn't have lots of rules.
(photo by Deborah)



(photo by Deborah)


Deborah makes a new friend of a temple visitor's puppy.


As at most religious institutions, there are ample opportunities at the temples to make a donation, whether to feed the monks, maintain the buildings or, as in this case, to provide eyeglasses to children (or at least that is what we assume). Drop in some money and they thank you (or, again, we assume they are thanking us and not insulting us for being gullible tourists).
(video by Deborah)

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