Photo Gallery
Wat Luang (built 14th century onward, or earlier)
According to legend, Wat Luang was founded in 829 by Phor Khun Luang Pol, at the same time Lampang itself was established. If there is any basis to the legend, the current buildings are not original. The earliest existing structure is the octagonal chedi, known as the Phra That Luang Chai Chang Kham 'The Great Relic Chedi Supported By Elephants', was last rebuilt in 1336 on top of an earlier form.
The viharn-ubosot, dating from 1872, is the largest hall on the grounds of the wat. It contains an image of the Phra Chao Saen Luang Buddha that is a bronze replica of the original gold statue plundered in 1902 during an uprising of the local Shan population. Likely as a result of this theft, the open front portico of the viharn-ubosot was bricked over with laterite to prevent easy access to the interior without permission.
Another notable building on site is the wooden ho trai (library), which is constructed in two stories with 3 diminishing tiers on the roof.Bibliography:
Image credits: All images copyright 2008 Timothy M. Ciccone. Photographed early March, 2008.
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Oxford University Press, 1990. Kuala Lumpur
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