Readme before you journey
Ride your motorbike along the original path, but be careful not to take the wrong turn. However, I ended up driving past it because I couldn't see the sign very well. I had to go down the hill, turn around, and come back up to reach the Naphra Meru and Naphraphon Bhumi Sirirn Chedi. I paid the entrance fee for myself and the motorbike according to the regulations.
The Great Relics Stupa of Heaven and Earth
Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, is located in Chiang Mai province. It is home to two grand stupas, "Nophhamethinidon" and "Nophaphonphumisri," built by the Royal Thai Air Force as a tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. These stupas serve as a symbol of auspiciousness and a testament to the boundless merits of Their Majesties, extending blessings and prosperity to all Thai people throughout the land, ensuring eternal peace and happiness. The construction of these stupas coincided with the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King's 5th cycle birthday anniversary.
Slippery walkway
The Great Relics of the Earth and the Interior of the Ship of Relics
The Naphra Meru and Naphra Phum Siri pagodas are situated on the left and right peaks of the mountain, respectively. The layout of the area and the arrangement of the flower gardens complement the natural landscape, making the pagodas appear majestic amidst the towering trees and mountains.
A 60-inch wide Buddha statue in the blessing posture, carved from green granite from Indonesia.
His Majesty the King bestowed the name
“Phra Phuttha Boramahasat Nawaminthra Maha Chakri Rajanusorn Sathi Phansa Sthaporn Phiphit”
which means “The Buddha, the Supreme Teacher, a memorial built by His Majesty
King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty on the occasion of his 60th birthday.”
The two great stupas share a similar shape, a polygonal form created by intersecting straight lines. This reflects the unwavering determination of both monarchs, who steadfastly carried out their royal duties without succumbing to fatigue or danger, all for the happiness and prosperity of the Thai people.
The green granite carvings from Thailand depict the life of the Buddha, from his birth to his enlightenment, first sermon, and death.
The Naphramert Nidhanedol Chedi: A Monument of Thai Buddhist Art
The Naphramert Nidhanedol Chedi is an octagonal stupa situated on a two-tiered base, each level enclosed by a surrounding wall. Above both tiers, decorative niches adorned with terracotta sculptures from Dan Kwian adorn the walls, depicting scenes from the Ten Jataka tales, the natural world of the Himalayas, and the insignia of the Royal Thai Air Force.
A staircase on the base leads to the stupa's chamber, featuring four entryways. Above each doorway rests the royal monogram "ภ ป ร." The chamber transitions into a bell-shaped structure adorned with three tiers of floral garlands. Further upwards, a lotus-petal-shaped platform supports an eight-petaled, gold-colored lotus bud finial. The pinnacle boasts a nine-tiered silver metal umbrella. The exterior of the stupa is adorned with brown mosaic tiles, reaching a height of 60 meters from the ground level to the tip of the finial.
The Great Relics of Nappholphumisiri
The inner sanctum houses a 60-inch wide Buddha statue carved from green granite sourced from Indonesia. This statue, bestowed with the name "Phra Phuttha Borommasatda Nawaminthra Maha Chakri Ratchanusorn Sathit Phappha Phiphat" by His Majesty the King, signifies "The Enlightened One, a commemorative monument to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty, on the occasion of his 60th birthday."
Flower garden at the base of the pagoda
The four walls of the reliquary chamber are adorned with green Thai granite carvings depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, first sermon, and passing into nirvana. The ceiling of the chamber is decorated with a glass mosaic depicting the lotus flower, a sacred symbol in Buddhism.
Inside the Relics Hall, there is a statue of the Buddha in the meditating posture, the Buddha of Friday,
which is the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.
3.20 meters tall, carved from white jade, from China.
The top finial of the Great Reliquary Pagoda enshrines a portion of the Buddha's relics, obtained from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It also contains relics bestowed by His Majesty the King, His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, and government officials, merchants, and the general public.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit has bestowed the name "Phra Phuttha Sirikiti Thikhayu Mongkol" which means "May the Buddha be auspicious and may Her Majesty Queen Sirikit have a long life."
The walls of the reliquary chamber are adorned with painted terracotta sculptures, predominantly in purple hues. These sculptures depict scenes from the lives of the nuns who were declared by the Buddha to be preeminent among all nuns in various aspects.
The design of the Maha That incorporates 999 replicas of the Buddha, each inscribed with the name of a donor as an act of reverence. The design of the Maha That is not only unique and innovative compared to previous Maha Thats, but also incorporates key Buddhist principles in its intricate details. These principles include:
A niche adorned with brown-glazed terracotta sculptures on both sides.
The story of the laywomen who the Buddha declared to be superior to all other laywomen in various aspects.
Including images of the six heavens of the Kāmavacara realm, which humans should cultivate generosity, morality, and meditation according to the principles of Buddhism.
The Great Reliquary Stupa: A Symbol of Enlightenment and Royal Majesty
The Naphra Meru Dhara Maha Chedi, or the Great Reliquary Stupa, stands as a testament to the profound spiritual significance and royal patronage of Buddhism in Thailand. Its name, bestowed by His Majesty the King, aptly translates to "the great stupa containing the sacred relics, reaching from the heavens to the earth."
This magnificent structure embodies profound symbolism through its architectural elements:
- The eight-sided stupa represents the Noble Eightfold Path, the path to liberation from suffering.
- The three tiers of garlands symbolize the thirty perfections, divided into ten each for the levels of preparation, application, and mastery.
- The golden spire atop eight lotus petals signifies the attainment of enlightenment and the Parinirvana, the final liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
- The brown mosaic evokes the steadfastness and nobility of a warrior.
- The height of 60 meters commemorates the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King.
The Naphra Meru Dhara Maha Chedi stands as a beacon of spiritual aspiration, reminding us of the path to enlightenment and the enduring legacy of royal patronage in Thailand.
Flower Garden behind the Great Stupa
The Naphphonphumisiri Chedi is a 12-sided stupa situated on a two-tiered base, each level enclosed by a surrounding wall. Above both tiers of walls, niches adorned with brown-glazed terracotta sculptures depict the stories of the female lay disciples who were declared by the Buddha to be superior to all others in various aspects. Additionally, the niches showcase the six heavens of the Kamavacara realm, encouraging humans to practice generosity, morality, and meditation according to Buddhist principles.
The base of the stupa has a staircase leading to the reliquary chamber, which has three entrance doors. Above the frame of each door is the inscription "ส ก", the royal monogram of King Taksin. The walls of the reliquary chamber are adorned with painted terracotta sculptures, predominantly in purple, depicting the stories of the nuns who were declared by the Buddha to be superior to other nuns in various aspects. Above the reliquary chamber is the bell-shaped structure with four garlands, followed by a 12-sided throne. The top of the spire is shaped like a lotus bud with 12 petals, made of gold. The topmost point is a 9-tiered silver metal umbrella. The outer surface of the stupa is decorated with purple glass mosaics. The height from the lower terrace to the top of the spire is 55 meters.
Pond and bridge decorated with flower garden
The Phra That enshrines a statue of the Buddha in the posture of contemplation, the presiding deity for Friday, the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. The statue, 3.20 meters tall, is carved from white jade from China and was bestowed the name "Phra Phuttha Sirikiti Thikhayu Mongkol" by Her Majesty the Queen. The name signifies "the auspiciousness of the Buddha and the longevity of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit."
The interior of the stupa's dome contains relics of the Buddha, personally placed there by His Holiness Somdet Phra Yanasangworn, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. The lower walls of the stupa are adorned with granite carvings depicting significant events in the life of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. The upper walls are decorated with a series of 12 mosaics, specially commissioned from Italy and designed using computer-aided image and color selection. These mosaics depict the lives of four important women who played a significant role in the promotion of Buddhism: Queen Sirimahamaya, the Buddha's mother; Queen Mahapajapati Gotami, the Buddha's aunt and foster mother; Queen Yasodhara, the Buddha's wife; and Visakha, the foremost female lay disciple of the Buddha.
The ceiling of the reliquary chamber is adorned with glass mosaics depicting lotus flowers. The top of the Great Reliquary Stupa enshrines the sacred relics of the Buddha, which were obtained from various sources: the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka; Her Majesty the Queen; His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand; government officials, merchants, and the general public; and the Royal Thai Air Force. The Air Force also presented 103 Buddha statues to be placed around the relics as a tribute to its benefactors.
In addition, Her Majesty the Queen also bestowed the Phra Phuttha Lokanatha Siri Khun, Somdet Nang Phaya Chitralada, and Phra Sangkachai (Sk.) Buddha images to be enshrined as part of the Buddhist offerings.
The design of the Phra Maha Chedi emphasizes novelty and uses important Buddhist principles as a guide for its detailed features. These include:
- Name of the Chedi: "Naphphonphumisiri" was bestowed by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, meaning "the power of the sky, the auspiciousness of the earth."
- 12-sided stupa shape: Represents the 12 qualities of wisdom of the Buddha's mother, the result of her practice of generosity and her aspiration to become the Buddha's mother in past lives.
- 4-tiered garland: The upper section is divided into 25 smaller tiers, which, when combined with the base supporting the golden finial (divided into 8 smaller tiers) and the 37 tiers of the main structure, represent the 37 factors of enlightenment.
- Purple mosaic: Conveys the gentle beauty characteristic of Thai noblewomen.
- Height of 55 meters: 5 meters shorter than the Phra Maha Chedi Naphamethinidon, signifying that Queen Sirikit is 5 years younger than King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The Naphra Merdin and Naphra Phumisiri pagodas, constructed by the Royal Thai Air Force as a tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, stand as a testament to the pride of the Air Force and the Thai people. These structures, erected on the highest peak in Thailand, serve as an unparalleled monument to the profound respect and unwavering loyalty held for Their Majesties. The King and Queen graced the pagodas with their presence on March 6, 1989, and March 8, 1993, respectively. (Source: Wisut Phinyowanichak)
Despite the intermittent rain and sunshine today, the mist remained thick, with a light drizzle falling throughout the journey. The two grand stupas were shrouded in mist, concealing their beauty. Similarly, the flower garden behind the Nophaphon Phumisiri Grand Stupa evoked the ambiance of a foreign country, except the mist was not cold but rather damp and pleasantly cool.
We admired the beauty of the Phra Maha Chedi and the surrounding gardens before descending to continue our journey.
Suddenly, the sun came out and the sky cleared.
The sky began to clear, revealing the peak of the Phra Maha Chedi.
The air vents are starting to open.
Related Topics
Traveling solo to Doi Inthanon during the rainy season: Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan
Solo Trip to Doi Inthanon During the Rainy Season: Open-Air Food Court in Chom Thong, Joe Bike Motorcycle Rental, and My Trusty Two-Wheeled Companion
A Solo Trip to Doi Inthanon in the Rainy Season: Mae Ya Waterfall, Once the Most Beautiful in Thailand
This article recounts a solo trip to Doi Inthanon National Park during the rainy season, focusing on Mae Ya Waterfall, once considered the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand.
Traveling Intanon alone during the rainy season: Touch Star Resort, a natural mineral water resort on Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai
A Solo Journey to Doi Inthanon in the Rainy Season: Awe-Inspiring Vachirathan Waterfall and Mae Klang
This phrase translates to a title for a travel blog or article about a solo trip to Doi Inthanon National Park in Thailand during the rainy season. The title highlights the awe-inspiring Vachirathan Waterfall and Mae Klang village.
A solo trip to Doi Inthanon during the rainy season. Visiting Wat Mae Klang Waterfall Temple, where the cool air and mist provide a refreshing escape from the heat.
A solo trip to Doi Inthanon during the rainy season: Family Room and Meeting Room with a simple dinner at Touch Star Resort, Doi Inthanon.
A Solo Journey to Doi Inthanon: Exploring the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
This article recounts a solo trip to Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, during the rainy season. The author focuses on their experience at the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, a beautiful and diverse collection of plants located within the national park.
The text provides a brief overview of the garden, highlighting its unique features and the challenges of exploring it during the rainy season. The author also reflects on the personal benefits of solo travel and the opportunity for introspection and connection with nature that it affords.
While the original text is not provided, this summary captures the essence of the article and conveys the author's experience in a clear and concise manner.
Solo Motorcycle Adventure: Exploring Doi Inthanon in the Rainy Season
This article chronicles a solo motorcycle journey to Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand, during the rainy season. The author, equipped with their trusty two-wheeled companion, embarks on an adventure to the "Roof of Siam."
Solo Travel ....Inthanon in the Rain :: Ang Ka, Pa Mek with My Two-Wheeled Companion
Solo travel .... Doi Inthanon this rainy season :: Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri pagodas
Solo travel to Doi Inthanon during the rainy season: Pha Dok Siew and Rak Jang Waterfall in Mae Klang Luang Village
Please note: The provided text is empty and does not contain any content for translation.
If you provide the text you want translated, I will be happy to assist you.
Solo Travel .... Doi Inthanon in the Rain :: Mae Wang National Park "Pha Chor"
สายลม ที่ผ่านมา
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 8:29 PM
