One of the most sacred sites in Buddhism, next to, maybe, Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
This temple overlooks Chiang Mai and has an interesting history. In the 1300's a king named Kuena packed a sacred relic of the Buddha on the back of a white elephant. The elephant went on a long journey and eventually climbed up a mountain overlooking modern day Chiang Mai. There, the white elephant dropped dead, and the site was designated a sacred area. The temple was built here in 1383, and the relic is buried under a tall gold pagoda. Other fascinating stories surround the site, such as one of a strange hermit monk, named Sudeva, who dwelled on the mountain top. The temple's name is a derivation of his name.
What is the relic that is buried here??? . . . The official story is that it is one of the Buddha's bones, buried directly under the tall pagoda, or chedi, in the inner sanctum. This pagoda is covered in 200 kilograms of pure gold, donated by the Buddhist faithful ! Outside of the inner sanctum, people have consigned their ashes in this esteemed Buddhist site. The Queen of Thailand herself owns a home at the base of the temple, and armed militia could be seen here.
The full name of this temple is Phrathat Doi Suthep Rajvoravihara.
The temple is accessed by a 306 step stairway, but they have an elevator/escalator for those not up to the challenge. Actually, a few years back the escalator failed and someone was killed!
You can't wear shorts in the temple, so pants are provided. Shoes have to be removed before entering, and you have to show respect to the monks within (keeping your head lower than theirs, and such). It always boggles my mind when I see scumbag, disrespectful falangs in such places, and I wonder what the Thai people think of them.
Entrance to the 306 steps.
Terrace overlooks Chiang Mai.
Next to one of Buddhism's most sacred sites. . . sometimes I think I'm a fish out of water in such places, but I suppose it's all meant to be.
Look at all that gold! The top umbrella is pure solid gold.