Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai

Phrathat Hariphunchai
Lamphun

Background
Phrathat Hariphunchai is located inside Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai Woramahawiharn.  It was built around 897 by King Athittayarat, the King of Lamphun city.  Having a strong faith in Buddhism, the King introduced Buddhism to his city by adopting the Buddhist practice in this predominantly Mon city.  He ordered the construction of a Mondop to hold the relics of the Buddha. which consisted of the crown of a skull, chest bones. finger bones and a number of other relics.  The original Mondop was 3 wa (6 meters) tall and was completed with four cardinal points.  The Mondop has undergone several restoration works, the most important one being in the reign of King Mangrai when he conquered Lamphun city.  King Mangrai ordered the restoration and amendment of the structure to adopt the Lanka rounded base Chedi style to replace the original rectangular structure.

During the reign of King Tilokkarat of Chiang Mai city, Phra Maha Mathangkon was assigned to supervise the construction of the structure until its completion as it stands today.  The structure is 23 wa (46 meters) tail.  The width of the base is 25 meters.  At the top of the structure is a seven-tiered umbrella, the tip of which is adorned with topaz.

Belief
According to the belief of the Northern culture, those who were born in the Year of the Rooster will have a successful life if they worship Phrathat Hariphunchai.  Others who were born in other years will also achieve prosperity it they worship Phrathat Hariphunchai.  However, according to the Buddha, the true meaning behind this concept is that worshiping promotes enhancement of the mind.  When one purifies one’s mind and abstains from sinful acts, one will have a peaceful mind and thus a physical comfort will be achieved.  This is considered the ultimate success in life.

Attractions
In addition to Phrathat Hariphunchai, there is Ho Trai or the scripture depository that houses the sacred Tripitaka scriptures.  Supported by a large base, this two-story building can be reached from the front by stairs the bottom of which are flanked by a pair of sculptured stone lions.  The ground floor of the building is made of bricks while the top floor is made of woodwork.  The main Wihan which is in local Lanna style houses Phra Kaeo Khan or Phra Setangkhamani of Hariphunchai city.  The image sits on top of a beautifully carved, gilded and lacquered canopy.  Every year on Visakha Bucha Day, a ceremony will be held for worshipers to sprinkle water onto Phrathat Hariphunchai.

How to get there
Phrathat Hariphunchai is located close to Methi Wuttikorn School on Inthayongyot Road, Nai Mueang Sub-district, Mueang Lamphun District, Lamphun Province.  For further details, please contact Tel. 0 5351 1104 or at “http://www.hariphunchailemple.org/”