Wat Bupparam

high-definition creative commons photographs from this temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand, showing the architecture, statues, striking modern murals and decoration work, together with some further information.

Play Slideshow (40)

 

General View of the Scripture Hall

General View of the Scripture Hall

Side View of the Scripture Hall

Side View of the Scripture Hall

Gables of Small Viharn

Gables of Small Viharn

Chedi

Chedi

Dragon

Dragon

Thewada at the Door

Thewada at the Door

Thewada at the Door

Thewada at the Door

Lotus Feet

Lotus Feet

Ceiling Decoration

Ceiling Decoration

Ceiling Decoration

Ceiling Decoration

Ceiling Decoration

Ceiling Decoration

Ceiling Decoration

Ceiling Decoration

Mythical Being

Mythical Being

Thewada

Thewada

Celestial Musician

Celestial Musician

Celestial Musician

Celestial Musician

Thewada Wall Painting

Thewada Wall Painting

Bird and Tree Wall Painting

Bird and Tree Wall Painting

Thewada Wall Painting

Thewada Wall Painting

On the Couch Wall Painting

On the Couch Wall Painting

Preaching

Preaching

Tree Gifts

Tree Gifts

Around the Viharn

Around the Viharn

Foundation of Chiang Man

Foundation of Chiang Man

Musical Show

Musical Show

Procession

Procession

Following the Monks

Following the Monks

On Alms Round

On Alms Round

Blessing

Blessing

Drummers

Drummers

Procession

Procession

Carrying Offerings

Carrying Offerings

Buddha Preaching to the Gods

Buddha Preaching to the Gods

Buddha Preaching to Gods and Men

Buddha Preaching to Gods and Men

Tortures of Hell

Tortures of Hell

Buddha and Chedis

Buddha and Chedis

Buddha under the Bodhi Tree

Buddha under the Bodhi Tree

Standing Buddha

Standing Buddha

Buddha and Lotus Flowers

Buddha and Lotus Flowers

Buddha Resting

Buddha Resting

 

The large Scripture Hall (Ho Trai) which dominates Wat Bupparam, besides being packed with all sorts of paraphernalia, contains two things that are notable: first, some good traditional wood carvings inside the Upper Shrine Hall; and secondly, a set of delightful modern murals by Pornchai Jaimon in the Library itself, placed unexpectedly, under the Hall. These were accepted for his thesis degree.

The Temple itself dates back to 1496, when it was built by King Phra Muang Kæo on the site of a palace of his great grandfather King Tilokarat. It has been restored a few times since then, notably in the 19th century when most of the old buildings seen now were built.

Unfortunately any good effect is almost lost now because around the Viharn have been built non-descript concrete blocks, which are possibly monks' quarters, conference halls and the like; and dotted in between them all are concrete zoo animals, which are poorly and cheaply made.

 

Photographs by Anandajoti Bhikkhu

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