The silver temple of Chiang Mai

The Silver Temple, Wat Sri Suphan, is located in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, and represents the fusion of Lanna craftsmanship and Buddhist culture.

Versione in italiano

 

The temple was originally built in 1501 during the reign of King Mueang Kaeo, the eleventh ruler of the Mengrai Dynasty, and is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. The original ubosot (ordinary hall) dates back to 1509 and was constructed in the classic Lanna style of the era. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several restorations to preserve its structural sacredness.

 

 

It’s important to know that women are not allowed to enter the ubosot (the inner part). This restriction stems from an ancient Lanna belief that the temple could deteriorate if a woman entered this sacred space, and that the woman herself could be exposed to spiritual danger.

The most dramatic and extraordinary transformation took place between 2004 and 2008, when monks and local silversmiths decided to completely cover the ubosot with hand-crafted panels of silver, nickel, and aluminum. This ambitious process took over 12 years to complete, with a total donation of approximately 35 million baht. The work, directed by Abbot Phra Kru Phithatsuthikhun, involved the finest local artisans who used their traditional silversmithing skills to create this unique masterpiece.

But why the choice of silver?

The choice of silver as the main material is no coincidence: this precious metal symbolizes purity according to Buddhist tradition. It’s important to note that the structure is not made exclusively of pure silver, but uses a combination of silver, aluminum, and zinc to keep it lightweight and economically sustainable.

 

Inside the temple

The interior of the Silver Temple offers an extraordinary visual and spiritual experience, completely unlike most other Buddhist temples in Thailand.

Inside the ubosot, the play of light and reflections created by the metal surfaces is unique: mirrors and polished surfaces bounce and amplify the light, while the vibrant colors add depth and warmth to the space. The Buddha statues are also covered in silver, further enhancing the sacred atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

Posizione esatta

 

I suggest you the GetYourGuide tours

 

 

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