Wat Pong Yang Khok

Wat Pong Yang Khok Wat Pong Yang Khok is located in Pong Yang Khok District. There is a vihan of Phra Mae Chao Chamdhevi (Camadhevi). The old wooden building is home to an ancient mondop which has a legend that dated back to A.D. 710, during the reign of Phra Nang Chamdhevi. The temple is located in a village which is quite far from the main road of Lampang Province. From Highway No. 11 (Lampang-Lamphun Road), take a turn at the junction near Country Ville Housing Project, 500 metre before Thammasart University, Lampang Center. Drive straight for around 6.5 kilometre. On the way out, it is also possible to drive past Ban Pong Yang Khok and exit at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. To get to the temple from Wat Phra That Lampang Laung, distance is around 8.5 kilometre. The road is quite narrow and curvy. Once arrive at Wat Pong Yang Khok, the ubosot can be seen immediately. The building is relatively new. The Phra Mae Chao Chamdhevi Vihan is an important attraction at the temple. The vihan is not large compared to those of other temples. The building houses an ancient mondop which was built during the same period. Inside the mondop is situated a statue of Phra Mae Chao Chamdhevi, to which Lampang people always come pay respect. As history goes, Phra Mae Chao Chamdhevi, Queen of Hariphunchai (Lamphun) came to visit her son, King Anantayod, who was the governor of Lampang. During the trip to Phra That Lampang Luang for gold offering, the royal elephant all of a sudden stopped and bowed down. The queen was amazed and decided to past a night at the spot. During the night, she prayed for miracle to happen provided that the place was dwelled with holy spirits. As soon as her words ended, a bright halo of Buddha relics radiated from an anthill. The queen then had a vihan built at the hill, together with the mondop, singha statues, Gu Jang Nop (Elephant Bowing Vihan) and an arch entrance. The Sasi Tree (the Great Bodhi Tree) was also planted. The temple was name ‘Wat Pong Jang Nop’ which, after hundreds of years, became ‘Wat Pong Yang Khok’ as known in the present. Wat Pong Yang Khok received the 2000 award of outstanding preservation from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the ‘Artchitect ’00’ event. ichong_np13@hotmail.com, eserve@dnp.go.th