Bell, Wat Phra Taat Doi Jom Thong—Chiang Rai, Thailand
Posted by: 
Ianatlarge
N 19° 54.942 E 099° 49.362
47Q E 586106 N 2202363
A single bell in a temple in northern Thailand.
Waymark Code: WMEKEE
Location: Thailand
Date Posted: 06/09/2012
Views: 4
This wat is located on a high point a little to the west of the centre of the important northern Thai city of Chiang Rai. According to the tourist plaque (in gallery), the temple predates the founding of the city by King Mengrai the Great in 1262. While the King is the legendary founder of the city, it is likely that a pre-existing community lived on this spot, it is a prime location.
The temple was created by King Ruan Kaew in 940. The temple was used to enshrine Buddhist relics from Sri Lanka. These relics are still housed in the temple stupa. In addition the temple performs the usual Buddhist functions. There is an ordination hall, quarters for monks, and various Buddhist artefacts in the grounds.
The temple is fairly attractive, with refurbished buildings well landscaped grounds. The wat also contains the City Pillar Shrine of Chiang Rai.
At the approach to the temple ordination hall is a Buddhist bell in a red, wooden frame. The bell is the usual Buddhist wat bell. Visitors to the temple are welcome to ring the bell, but a small donation is the usual thing to do.
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