Tak Lak Mueang—Tak, Thailand. - Buddhist Temples and Public Shrines on Waymarking.com

A Lak Mueang or 'City Pillar Shrine' is a public shrine, usually in the shape of a pillar, which represents the tutelary diety of each province of Thailand. The pillar is housed in a structure, which often reflects the historical background of the province. Each Shrine has great religious, social, and political importance, and are held in high regard by the local inhabitants. Most Thai provinces have an official Shrine, and some districts within a province have their own, smaller shrine.

There are several different styles of lak mueang, however, they are normally located close to the centre of their town, usually in or near the governmental precinct. There is a belief that the height of the pillar was the height of the founder of the city, and its diameter a multiple of his fist size. Some shrines contain historical records of the town, region, or the shrine itself.

The shrine for Tak is found on the western edge of the city, immediately adjacent to the hard to miss Kittikachorn Bridge. It was created in 1992 (the year all Thai provinces were ordered to construct a Lak Mueang, if that had not already done so), specifically to honour the four Great Kings of Thailand who are associated with Tak. Also to serve as the spiritual centre of the province.

In design this shrine differs somewhat from the standard, in that it is an open structure, not fully enclosed, which is the standard practise. The pillar, which is of a standard design, is housed in this open enclosure. Before the pillar is a prayer area, and around small shops where prayer material, incense, flowers and so forth can be purchased.

Open to visitors?: Yes Photography Permitted Inside?: Yes Statue of the Buddha present?: Yes Related Website: Not listed

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