Lamphun Tourist Attraction
Wat Ku Kut (Wat Chama Devi )
| Lamphun is a small province that is located 26 kilometers from Chiang Mai. There are several interesting tourist destinations in and around Lamphun that are worth a visit. One such attraction is the Wat Chamathewi. |
Also known as Ku Kut Pagoda, Wat Chamathewi is the second most important temple in the province that is located on the outskirts of the town of Lamphun on the Lamphun-San Pa Tong Road. The temple was constructed in the year 1298 BC during the reign of King Mahandayok in the honor of his mother Queen Chamathewi, a noble Queen who was also the first ruler of Haripoonchai Kingdom.
Major notable features of the temple are its two Chedis that provide the best example of Mon style of architecture. The larger Chedi is 21 meters in height and contains the ashes of Queen Chamathewi. This Chedi is square shaped structured similar to the one present in Buddhagaya in India. Important feature of this Chedi is that its spire got destroyed in a lighting strike. As a result, this monastery is also called as Ku Kut or the Pagoda without top. The base of the Chedi contains five levels of arches containing little Chedis in the corners. There are three ornate niches on each side of the level. Each of these niches holds a standing image of Lord Buddha in the position of giving out blessings, thus indicating the Khmer style.
The second or the smaller Chedi also has a similar structure with steps below the Chedi containing statues of Lord Buddha placed along with various figures of great demons.
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