This temple, known as the “Silver Temple,” was begun in the 1500’s as the main temple for a village of silversmiths. It was only fully encased in silver starting in about 2008. YES, I mean FULLY ENCASED in silver.
We had learned about the temple from my traveling companion’s husband, and, because we wanted to go to the Saturday market on the street leading to the temple, we decided to include that in our evening’s adventure. We had a map given us by our tour leader, and, with some advice from the hotel’s concierge, we walked there one evening, finding our way over sidewalks that frequently were cracked and broken, more frequently blocked by parked motorcycles, or just plain not there.
We found the market street so jammed with people that at times we could hardly move forward (we also couldn’t see the stalls, so we couldn’t shop, either).
Finally we reached the relative peace of the temple, and were astounded by what we saw. When we first got there the lights were relatively high, and I took this picture of In Ja beside the temple. It shows the very ornate decorations embossed in the silver.
I was interested to see that the late King, who died not too long ago, was also enshrined:
Soon, however, the lights changed color,
And a period of ‘walking meditation’ to the music of a chant, took place. The monks led the group which was joined by many devotees as well as people who looked as though they were tourists who just wanted to be part of the experience. They circled the temple three times, going clockwise (apparently, counter clockwise circling is only done for funerals).
At the end, the head monk chanted a blessing.
Men could then go into the temple to pray (because of ancient Buddhist laws to which this temple adheres, women are not allowed to go inside.) I apologize that this picture is out of focus, but it was the only one I could take that shows the statue of the Buddha inside.
Although getting to the temple through the crowds in the market was harrowing, we both agreed that seeing the temple and the meditation ceremony made it all worthwhile.
Chiang Mia, Thailand
2/4/18
Mary's Travel Blog 