Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai
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The temple complex of Wat Phra Kaew (Thai: วัดพระแก้ว) is located on Thanon Trairat (ถนนไตรรัตน์) Tambon Wiang (ตำบลเวียง) Amphoe Mueang (อำเภอเมือง) Chiang Rai Province (จังหวัดเชียงราย), Thailand.
Wat Phra Kaew was appointed the First Royal Temple of Chiang Rai on 31 May 1978 ( B.E. 2521).
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[edit] Before the Phra Kaew image
The founding of the wat now known as Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai is obscure. The temple was known as Wat Pa Yeah (วัดป่าเยี้ยะ or วัดป่าญะ), the Temple in the Golden Bamboo Forest, because it was in fact surrounded by this beautiful, useful bamboo, until 1434 (B.E. 1977) when its chedi was struck by lightning revealing the Phra Kaew Marakot image within. At that point its name changed to Wat Phra Kaew.
[edit] The Chedi
The Phra Kaew Marakot had remained at Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai for 43 years before its discovery 1391-1434 (B.E. 1934-1977) and remained for two years thereafter, when it was removed to Lampang in 1436 (B.E. 1979)
[edit] Phra Jao Lan Thong image
One of the largest and most beautiful Buddha images in Thailand is presently housed in the ubosoth at Wat Phra Kaew, Phra Jao Lan Thong. The image is made of brass and copper and is believed to be 700 years old. The image was originally housed at Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong in Chiang Rai, then moved to Wat Ngam Muang, and then to Wat Phra Kaew in 1961 (B.E 2504). Thus it is now called Phra Jao Lan Thong.
[edit] The new Phra Kaew Marakot image
A new Phra Kaew Marakot image was carved in China of Canadian jade in honor of Her Royal Highness Somdej Phrasrinkharintra, the Princess Mother's ninetieth birthday. A dedication ceremony was held in Bangkok on 20 September 1991 (B.E. 2534) and the image was installed by grand procession at Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai on 19 October of the same year.
