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Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu |
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Written by Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
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Friday, 21 November 2008 14:08 |
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu erected by the first governor of Mae Hong Son, this temple reflects the strong influence of the Burmese. The highlights of this attraction are the two lavishly decorated pagodas. Also, this hilltop temple affords an exceptional aerial view of the city and surrounding mountains and valleys.
The temple atop Kong Mu hill, Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu affords a spectacular view of the entire valley in which Mae Hong Son is nestled. The temple itself is notable for its two large white chedis and its typical Shan architecture.
The temple dates from around the time of the village's upgrade to a city in 1874. One of the huge chedis contains the ashes of a revered monk that were bought from Burma by two devotees. The other houses the ashes of Mae Hong Son's first governor, Phaya Singhanat Racha.
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu one of numerous Burmese-style temples in and around the town of Mae Hong Son, is on top of Doi Kong Mu (Kong Mu Mountain), dominating the provincial capital. Constructed by Phaya Singhanatracha, the first King of Mae Hong Son, the hilltop temple affords a wonderful view of the town and surrounding mountains and valleys.
Behind the two chedis, nestled into the base of the crown of the hill, is the large rambling open-fronted wiharn containing the altar. On the top the ubosot, a chedi and a standing Buddha at the top of the mountain.
A steep road leads further up to the crown of the hill where the ubosot is located. In front of the ubosot is a large slender standing Buddha image. A small chedi and several cenotaphs stand next to the ubosot. In front of the standing Buddha, a boat rowed by two monks and two lay people carries the Buddhist wheel.
The view from the top of the hill is quite spectacular. Off to one side of the road to the top is a parking area lined with souvenir stalls.
Reaching the temple on foot means taking one of two paths. From Wat Phra Non, a stairway leads halfway up the hill and then joins the other path which starts at Wat Muo Taw. This second path is a little easier, as it consists mostly of a zig-zag of ramps with only short stairways at the switch-backs. There are also covered rest stops at each corner. You can rent motorcycles or a car to drive you to the top.
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Last Updated on Friday, 21 November 2008 14:14 |
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