Wat Chedi Luang, with a splendid assembly hall

The Chedi Luang monastery is interesting for several reasons: the Lanna architecture of its buildings is truly worthy of admiration; the assembly hall is one of the most beautiful in all of Thailand and, finally, because it’s inhabited by a community of young monks who are available to chat with visitors.

Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai.
Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai

It is located in the city centre, not far from the Wat Phra Singh, and annexed to the temple is situated the pillar of the city (Intakin).

Assembly hall or vihan, Wat Chedi Luang.
Assembly hall or vihan, Wat Chedi Luang

Monks come to the vihan to pray daily at 08h00 and 17h00, and at 09h00 and 15h00 in the days of Buddha.
Update the schedule in case you are interested.

Opening hours: 08h00 – 17h00
Admission fee: 50 bath

The video offered below is really interesting, it includes an initiation ceremony held in the main hall of the monastery.

Ordination ceremony, Wat Chedi Luang.
Ordination ceremony, Wat Chedi Luang
Ordination ceremony, Wat Chedi Luang.
Ordination ceremony, Wat Chedi Luang
Ordination ceremony, Wat Chedi Luang.
Ordination ceremony, Wat Chedi Luang

The first thing you will see on entering the site is a strange building that almost looks unfinished. It is difficult to tell what it might have been used for.
Well, the answer to that can be found in the name of this temple, since this building is a chedi or stupa.

Stupa, Wat Chedi Luang.
Stupa, Wat Chedi Luang

In this case, 60 years after construction was completed in 1481 an earthquake destroyed the stupa’s upper section, truncating the building and reducing its height from 80 to less than 60 meters.

Visitors can talk to the monks at this temple, and it’s a good opportunity to hear about some of their experiences as Buddhists or to ask any questions you might have about monastic life since there are many young monks here (only for a period, not necessarily long).

Monks chatting with foreigners.
Monks chatting with foreigners
The building that houses the pillar of the city.
The building that houses the pillar of the city
Summary
Article Name
Wat Chedi Luang, with a splendid assembly hall
Description
Located in Chiang Mai, inside the old town. A place plenty of life where is possible to talk with young monks. Among other buildings, the vihan, or assembly hall, is magnificent. Next to the temple is the city pillar.
Author
Publisher Name
Manuel Francisco Jalón

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