King Saen Muang Ma began building the Phra Chedi Luang toenshrine
the relics of his father at the end of the 14th century, but
King Tilokaratcompleted it.
The chedi used to be 90 meters high before it was
partlydestroyed in an earthquake in 1545; it was
to remain the tallest structure inChiang Mai for
over 500 years. the present restored chedi is about
60meters high.
One of the best times to see this chedi is during
the wian tianceremony in the evening on one of the
main Buddhist festival days.
The large viharn was built in 1928. Round columns
with bell shapedbases and lotus finials support the
high red ceiling inside. The standing Buddhaimage
inside is known as the Phra Chao Attarot. Made of
a combinationof brass alloy and mortar, the image
dates back to King Saen Muang Ma (1385-1401). Buddhist
posters are placed along the walls between the windows,and
cabinets with Buddha images and Bencharong ceramics
line the walls.
Other buildings in the compound include the Lanna
campus of the MahamakutBuddhist University (This
is the northern campus for monks of the Thammayutsect,
a reformist sect founded by King Mongkut (Rama IV),who
was dissatisfied with the established Mahanikai sect
in the late1830's. To the west of the chedi is a
viharn with a recliningBuddha and the Sangkhachai
Buddha. From this area an exit leads outonto Chaban
Road.
