Shrine of God of Lampang

Shrine of God of LampangAs Lampang was a chief city of Lanna Kingdom, it is necessary to establish the city pillar as a symbol of constructing the city. The present city pillar shrine is a place for keeping the ancient city pillars from other places. Moreover, it installs LuangPoh Dum, a sacred Buddha’s image of Lampang people. Three main city pillars are made of hard wood in length of one outstretched arm with a sharp end, installed in corners. According to the history, the first pillar established in around B.E. 2400 in the reign of Chao WorayanRangsri was taken from WatPongsanook, the second one was built in B.E. 2416 in the reign of PrachaoBrohmpipongtada and the last one established in B.E. 2429 in the reign of Chao Noranunchaichawarit was taken from Rachawong Market near KhumRachawong (former pier).The reason why these three city pillars are installed together is that Chao BoonyawatWongmanit, then-ruler of Lampang, built the city hall in area called HorKum. Later on, he installed the city pillars in 1897 and in 1968, they are covered with a mondapa. Moreover, situated adjacent to the pillars, Four Buddha’s images meditating in lap length of 49 inches, Nirokuntaraichawatjaturatid, are installed in a building with four gable ends in Thai style. Furthermore, King Rama IX once cast the statue himself in 1966. After having joined the opening ceremony His Majesty installed each of the four in each corner.Lampang people call the image LuangPoh Dum as it was made of mixed metal and was all blackened (Rong Dum). The reason why it is not gilded like the others is that His Majesty the King cast it and that it is in commemoration of King Naresuan or Ong Dum as his complexion is quite dark (Dum).