Northern Thailand - Thailand - page 687

(Th Phutta Bucha; 6am-9pm, museum 9am-5.30pm Wed-Sun) The main wí·hăhn at this temple,
known by locals as Wat Yai, appears small from the outside, but houses the Phra Phuttha
Chinnarat, one of Thailand's most revered and copied Buddha images. This famous
bronze statue is probably second in importance only to the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok's
Wat Phra Kaew.
The story goes that construction of this wát was commissioned under the reign of King
Li Thai in 1357. When it was completed, King Li Thai wanted it to contain three high-
quality bronze images, so he sent for well-known sculptors from Si Satchanalai, Chiang
Saen and Hariphunchai (Lamphun), as well as five Brahman priests. The first two castings
worked well, but the third required three attempts before it was decreed the best of all. Le-
gend has it that a white-robed sage appeared from nowhere to assist in the final casting,
then disappeared. This last image was named the Chinnarat (Victorious King) Buddha and
it became the centrepiece in the wí·hăhn . The other two images, Phra Chinnasi and Phra
Si Satsada, were later moved to the royal temple of Wat Bowonniwet in Bangkok.
The image was cast in the late Sukhothai style, but what makes it strikingly unique is
the flamelike halo around the head and torso that turns up at the bottom to become
dragon-serpent heads on either side of the image. The head of this Buddha is a little wider
than standard Sukhothai, giving the statue a very solid feel.
Another sanctuary to one side has been converted into a free museum , displaying antique
Buddha images, ceramics and other historic artefacts.
Despite the holiness of the temple, endless loud broadcasts asking for donations, Thai
musicians, a strip of vendors hawking everything from herbs to lottery tickets, several
ATM machines and hundreds of visitors all contribute to a relentlessly hectic atmosphere.
Come early (ideally before 7am) if you're looking for quiet contemplation or simply wish
to take photos, and regardless of the time be sure to dress appropriately - no shorts or
sleeveless tops.

Wat Ratburana
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BUDDHIST TEMPLE

(Th Phutta Bucha; daylight hours) Across the street from Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat,
Wat Ratburana draws fewer visitors but in some ways is more interesting than its famous
neighbour. In addition to a wí·hăhn with a 700-year-old gold Buddha, there's an ùbohsòt
with beautiful murals thought to date back to the mid-19th century and two wooden hŏr
đrai (manuscript libraries).