[story by Tasanee Yawaprapa & photo
by Vatcharachia Trajaroon, Dussadee Hemsirirat in Kinnaree Magazine, September
2000, p54 - 58]
Wat Buddha-En or
originally known as "Buddha-oen" can be found on the way
to Doi Inthanon National Park in the Mae Chaem District of Chiang
Mai. A 500 year-old temple, of Lanna Architectural style. It is well
worth visiting.
This Wat is though to have
once served as a residence for the Lord Buddha during his pilgrimage to
the region. The temple is an attractive blend of Thai Yai and Burmese
craftmanship with the ubosot (main chapel) located in the middle of a
pond. Commonly referred to as "Sim Nam" by local villagers.
The ubosot was built in the early Rattanakosin period, over 200 years
ago. This wooden ubosot is interesting because of surrounded by water.
Sim Nam serves as an ordination and prayer hall where,
according to 14th and 15th century beliefs, women are not allowed to enter.
The Fine Arts Department has recognised Wat Buddha-En as a historical
site. This temple also has a wooden viharn (secondary chapel) over 200
years old with a pre-siding centuries-old bronze Buddha image in the posture
of Subduing Mara.
