Did you know that the Lanna people believe that the "soul" of a person resides at the birth year stupa both before birth and after passing away? Let's explore the over thousand-year-old legend of a temple that was once a "royal palace" of ancient kings, along with secrets on how to make wishes for a prosperous, successful, and peaceful life under the grace of Queen Chamadevi.
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan is a significant sacred place in Northern Thailand, a holy site that has long accompanied the city of Lamphun.Dating back more than a thousand years,it is located in the heart of Lamphun city, about 150 meters from the provincial hall, surrounded on all four sides by roads: Attharot Road to the north, Chaimongkol Road to the south,and city ring roads to the east.Additionally, it is the birth year stupa forthose born in the Rooster year. The Hariphunchai Stupahouses sacred relics in a golden reliquary placed within the pagoda, which consists of a lotus base with crystal lotus design, a multi-tiered base, followed by a three-tier round platform supporting a round bell-shaped stupa. The square throne is 25 wa 2 sok high and the base measures 12 wa 2 sok 1 khep. It is surrounded bysattibanchar (iron and brass fences) in two layers, with golden ships stationed along the outer fence on the north and south sides. There are Kumbhanthu arches and umbrellas at the four corners and four towers on each side, each housingseated Buddha statues.In addition, there are lamp stands and altars built for worship by Buddhists..
Originally, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan was the royal palace ofKing Arthitayarat,the 33rd ruler of the Hariphunchai kingdom, succeeding Queen Chamadevi, the first great monarch of Hariphunchai city. The palace walls were divided into two layers: the outer and inner layers.Later, after King Arthitayaratdonated his palace to becomea Buddhist monastery, the outer walls were dismantled and a pair of lions were sculpted at the eastern gate arch. These large lions, adorned in royal attire with mouths open, were placed there as guardians in accordance with northern ancient customs of guarding temples with lions. Thus, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai has two walls reflecting the original palace layout of King Arthitayarat: the outer wall surrounding the temple complex and an inner wall, a cloister around the stupa.The temple is surrounded by roads on all four sides in central Lamphun.
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihanis located in the heart of Lamphun city and surrounded by roads on all four sides.It was built in 1108 CE and featuresa gate arch that visitors must pass throughto enter the temple grounds. This brick and stucco arch is decorated with intricate ancient Srivijaya-style patterns, comprisingtiered arch tops.In front of the gate arch stands a pair of large lions on pedestals about one meter high. These lions were sculpted during King Arthitayarat’s era when he converted the palace into a royal monastery.Upon passing through the gate, one sees the large main viharn, called Viharn Luang,a large hall with cloisters all around and porches at both front and back. This viharn was newly constructed to replace the old one that was destroyed by a storm in 1923 CE.Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun Province is the birth year stupa for those born in the Rooster year.Lanna people believe that before being born as a human, the soul resides at the birth year stupa, waiting for birth. When the time comes, the soul moves to the father’s crown for seven days before entering the mother’s womb. Upon death, the soul returns to reside at the same stupa it came from.
Not only does Wat Phra That Hariphunchai connect the faith of Lamphun people,
but it also holds legendsabout the first queen,as well as the ancient kingdom of Hariphunchai, the original name of Lamphun province. According to legend, the sage Vasuthep founded the kingdom and invited the princess ofthe Lavo kingdom, Queen Chamadevi,to rule as the first monarch.
Must-see sacred sites inside Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun ProvinceThe sacred stupa of Hariphunchai,the city’s symbol, houses relics in a golden reliquary and is the birth year stupa of "those born in the Rooster year."
are ancient brick and stucco architectural works from the Srivijaya era, magnificent and elegant. The main viharn
is a large hall housing important Buddha images and serves as a focal point upon passing the gate arch. What do people pray for at Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun?
Beyond worshiping the birth year stupa for auspiciousness and life protection, Lanna beliefs lead many to make wishes for:
as this royal temple with a long history is believed to carry the merit of past kings supporting careers.peace and happiness,through the grace of Queen Chamadevi and King Arthitayarat, founders and patrons of Hariphunchai city.
and having children, as many come to pray for blessed offspring at the temple’s sacred sites.
Opening hours of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun Province Open daily from 06:00 to 18:00.
Entrance fee for foreigners is approximately 20-50 baht (free for Thai nationals).
Additional tips after visiting Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun ProvinceWhen walking around the stupa, don’t miss the "Bell Tower" and the "Simulated Mount Meru" nearby, which display exquisite art reflecting ancient cosmology.
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Lamphun Province.