Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai

Like many temples throughout Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew is the beneficiary of many donations of important religious art works from members of its parish making merit.

Arguably being the most important temple in the province, this Wat Phra Kaew has received more than its share over many centuries.

[2] In 1434 the temple's octagonal Chedi (Pagoda) was struck by lightning and it fell apart to reveal a Buddha covered with stucco inside.

The Buddha was then placed in the abbot's residence, who later noticed that stucco on the nose had flaked off, revealing a green figure inside.

The Emerald Buddha was said to have been sculpted by gods to present to Nagasena (~500 BE), who stayed in Asokaram of Pataliputra (now Kumhar in Patna, India).

Phra Uposatha (the ubosoth, a consecrated chapel used for the Sangh's ceremonies) was originally a Vihara (assembly hall), built in 1890 in Chiang Saen style with 9.50 metres in width and 21.85 in length.

2534) and the image was installed with a grand procession at Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai on 19 October of the same year.

Since 2006 Acharn Supachai Sitilert, retired Deputy Director of the National Science Museum (in Bangkok) and Rebecca Weldon, a museologist formerly based at Rai Mae Fah Luang, have worked through the temple's vast storage of treasures to identify and research the holdings.

Their initiative is now being supported by many monks based at the temple who are doing advanced studies in Lanna documentation, history and archaeology.

Fortunately religious donations are usually very well documented (sometimes literally in stone), and the results of their efforts may be seen in a fine community museum inside the temple grounds.

The small selection on display is beautifully arranged to illustrate many aspects of religious art in Lanna over hundreds of years.

There are also some secular items on display including the official uniform of Jao Rachawong Buarakot, which was appointed from Bangkok (1890s).