Doi Suthep

Although you may come across multiple versions of the history associated with the temple of Doi Suthep, many believe that it was built after the occurrence of an incident, which Thai people still consider as a good omen. As per historical records, a monk named Sumanathera was instructed in his dreams to collect a relic from Pang Cha. When he went there, he discovered a bone, which was claimed to be Lord Buddha’s shoulder bone. This assumption converted into belief when the bone showcased its capabilities to glow, replicate and vanish itself.

With a vision to give the holy relic its correct place in the society, Sumanathera took the bone first to King Dhammaraja of Sukhothai and later to King Nu Naone of Lan Na. When the monk reached Lamphun, the bone broke into two pieces, the shorter piece of which is enshrined at Wat Suan Dok. The remaining longer piece was tied on the back of a white elephant, who carried it to the top of Doi Suthep mountain. Upon reaching the top, it is believed that the white elephant trumpeted thrice prior to dying peacefully.

Considering this to be an omen, King Nu Naone ordered the construction of the temple at the site of the animal’s death. The temple was named as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, or Doi Suthep temple. Till date, it is believed that the piece of Lord Buddha’s shoulder bone is present in between the rounded portion of the Chedi above the octagonal section and the ringed section of the temple. You can interpret this from the name as well – Phra signifies Buddha’s image, and That means relic. Combining the two words, you get the meaning of Buddha’s relic.