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Chiang Mai
The
historical assertion that the first Thai Kingdom was Sukhothai is unlikely to be
correct. This is because Sukhothai's stone inscription states that there existed
at least two autonomous states in the same period as Sukhothai. They are Chiang
Saen of the Phya Mengrai group and Phayao of Phya Ngam Muang.
The stone inscription in front of the old Viharn.
If is often referred to when the origin of Chiang Mai is mentioned. Prominent
Thai historian Suchit Wongthes made an interesting remark when he said, 'Historical
records about the three kings indicate that Phya Ruang of the Sukhothai Kingdom
evidently obeyed Phya Mengrai to a large extent. It seems that the Sukho Thai
Kingdom attached great importance to the Yonok group'.
A stone inscription found at Wat Chiang Man in
Chiang Mai states that the three kings held consultations on the mapping out of
Chiang Mai construction plan in 1296 at Ban Chiang Man. The inscription was
created in the reign of King Tilokkarat, the ninth king of the Mengrai Dynasty
(1581). The story about the meeting of the three kings was said to have been
passed down orally before being written down but there was no clear reason why
they had met.
Chiang Mai in its 700th year is, thus,
interesting for the study of the tribal groups starting from the Phya Mengrai
family. The study should also involve the cultural heritage of diverse tribes
such as Tai Yai, Tai Yuan, Tai Khoen, Tai Lu, Tai Yong and Lua. These tribal
groups differ from Thais in other parts of the country.
Throughout the long period if Chiang Mai,
numerous historical sites have been built, reflecting artistic value in each
period. For example, temples reflect the strong faith of Chiang Mai residents in
Buddhism. They are also full of artistic and historical significance and related
to the builders who are the ancestors of Chiang Mai residents.
Constructed in the early period of Chiang Mai,
Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple within the compound of the City Wall. Phya
Mengrai developed his Wiang Lek residence in to the royal temple and built in
1306 and consists of four significant as the first royal temple in the city. It
was built in 1306 and consists of four significant structures as follows:
1. Phra Buddha Setangkhamani (Phra Kaeo Khao) is
enshrined at the Viharn. It represents the long history of Hariphuchai and once
served as a Buddha image commemorating Queen Chammathewi. The Buddha image was
transferred from Lawo (Lop Buri) before the Queen ruled the Hariphunchai City.
Phya Mengrai acquired Phra Kaeo Khao when he led his army to attack Hariphunchai,
which was burned down and only the Phra Kaeo Khao Viharn was saved from the
blaze. Phra Kaeo Khao represents the Buddha image in the posture of subduing
Mara. It is 4-inches wide in the lap and 5-inches high and carved from white
stone.
2. Phra Sila represents the Buddha image in the
posture of suppressing the Nakha Khiri Elephant and was carved from black stone
by an Indian craftsman. It is said that four Sinhala monks presented Phra Sila
together with Lord Buddha's relics to Phya Mengrai, while he was ruling Kumkam.
Phra Sila was transferred to Wat Chiang Man in Chiang Mai after the new city was
established.
3. Chang Lom Pagoda reflects art and architecture
of the Sukhothai artform in a combination of Lanna art and architecture. There
are, altogether, 15 elephant figures at the base.
4. Ubosot, the premise where monks assemble to
pray and conduct religious ceremonies, is very graceful in the Lanna
architectural style. The location is in the compound of Phya Mengrai's Wiang Lek,
relocated from Wiang Kumkam, which was affected by flooding before it was
finally developed as Wat Chiang Man. Although Chiang Mai won over Hariphunchai
in terms of political and military strength, it nevertheless failed in terms of
culture and art. Phya Mengrai's move to change his palace into a temple should
be viewed as shrewd judgement by him to create social faith and underline his
supreme power as king of Chiang Mai.
To celebrate the 700th Founding Anniversary of
Chiang Mai is, in fact, to look back over ancient houses, temples and palaces.
The significance of Wat Chiang Man should never be overlooked, as it is as old
as the city itself.
02. December 2004