One of the most revered temples in Thailand, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang has fascinating history (including bullet holes from a 19th century gun battle that took place there), legends, beautiful architecture, and some mysteries surrounding it as well.
One of many centerpieces to the temple is a small but beautiful jade Buddha image—Phra Kaew Don Tao. According to legend, some 500 years (or more) ago a woman was offered a watermelon from a monk who visited her from heaven. When she opened it, she found a green gem stone inside. The gem stone then turned into the Phra Kaew Don Tao.
The temple’s large chedi is said to contain one of the Buddha’s hairs, which legend says he donated during a visit he made to the area some 2,500 years ago.
There are two spots in the monastery where one can witness jaw-dropping reflections of the chedi. The better viewpoint is inside a small chapel near the chedi. These improbable reflections are hard to describe but a definite not-to-be-missed. They have been characterized as miracles.
In addition to the Buddha’s hair, the temple houses relics from a number of other Buddhist monks. My understanding of what I’ve been told is that a devotee with strong faith who leaves a glass out while reflecting on a monk who has died may have a relic of that monk appear in the glass.
To add to the mysterious and fascinating aura of this temple, during my visit I was told of someone that day having had a sort of premonition of another person’s death. The premonition proved to be true later that very day.
