Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Chaeng (วัดพระธาตุดอยจอมแจ้ง)

Thai. Name of an ancient roadside hilltop temple in Mae Taeng (แม่แตง) District, Chiang Mai. Its exact date of construction is unknown. According to legend, the Buddha once travelled through the area with his disciples and arrived at this hill at dawn, giving rise to the name Chom Chaeng, meaning ‘Bright Summit’. Over time, the temple fell into neglect until it was restored around 1927 by Kruh Bah Sri Wichai (fig.), the revered monk of Lan Na, who was inspired by a vision of an important northern temple in need of restoration. During the renovation, sacred relics believed to be the Buddha’s remains were discovered, along with a gold Buddha statue over 500 years old known as Phra Chao Fon Saen Ha (พระเจ้าฝนแสนห่า), and various treasures, all of which were re-enshrined within the chedi. The original structure was rebuilt in a new style and later renovated again in 1992 with Italian mosaic decoration and the addition of a ceremonial chat umbrella. Besides the chedi, the temple features notable religious images, including Phra Phuttha Uttamachot (อุตตมะโชติ) in a teaching posture and a reclining Buddha housed in a pavilion. At the foot of the hill on which it is located, adjacent to the staircase with naga-balustrades that leads to the summit, is a memorial shrine named Pratuh Suh Mae Taeng (ประตูสู่แม่แตง), i.e. ‘Gate to Mae Taeng’. Also transliterated Wat Phrathat Doi Jom Jaeng. WATCH VIDEO. 回