Wat Ratcha Monthian

Temple in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai - Wat Ratcha Monthian
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Stefan Fussan

Wat Ratcha Monthian, located on the south side of Chiang Mai’s moat, is an eye-catching landmark dominated by a striking white Buddha seated in the Subduing Mara posture. This imposing figure faces the main road, drawing visitors to the highly decorative viharn accessed via a steep flight of steps. The viharn’s intricately adorned facade features gold floral motifs, a richly decorated roofline with naga and chofa embellishments, and a central ridge topped with golden umbrellas. The temple’s unconventional layout, including the north-facing entrance guarded by Devata figures, adds to its distinctive appeal.

Inside the upper viharn, the design is grand yet minimal, with a stately white alabaster Buddha crowned and adorned in a Burmese-Shan style. The serene figure, set against red lacquer columns with golden capitals and pale marble floors, captivates attention with its serene gaze. Descending to the lower viharn, visitors encounter a more lived-in, worship-oriented space with offerings scattered across the altar. Here, three white crowned Buddha statues exude an almost feminine elegance, their smiles conveying joy and tranquility, a hallmark of Burmese-Shan artistry.

The Chedi and Other Notable Features

The temple’s chedi departs from the typical bell-shaped form, instead adopting a square, tiered design reminiscent of Burmese architecture. Each level has niches for Buddha statues, topped by a golden mini-chedi and sacred umbrella. Nearby, an administrative building, bustling with activity, reflects the temple’s role as a community hub. Unique elements like the black-painted Rahu statue, symbolizing eclipses, and golden-leaf-covered luk nimit cannonballs awaiting burial for future rituals, highlight the temple’s rich blend of tradition and creativity. These distinctive features make Wat Ratcha Monthian an intriguing and enriching stop for any visitor to Chiang Mai.

The Wat Ratcha Monthian appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Chiang Mai!

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Visiting Wat Ratcha Monthian

Hours:

6.00am to 6.00pm

Price:

Free entry

Address: Wat Ratcha Monthian, 238/40 Manee Nopparat Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand

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