Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan, Buddhist temple in Nan province, Thailand
Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan is a temple complex in Nai Wiang comprised of multiple buildings that blend architectural styles from different periods. The main worship hall contains large Buddha images in Sukhothai style, while a separate library building called Ho Trai preserves an important collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and religious texts.
The temple was founded in the early 1400s and displays architectural features from the Sukhothai and Lanna periods. The Ho Trai library building was added later and became one of Thailand's largest collections of Buddhist scriptures, highlighting the site's spiritual importance across centuries.
The temple functions as a living spiritual center where visitors can observe monks conducting rituals and teachings throughout the day. The name comes from the elephant statues supporting the chedi's base, which holds special meaning for the local community and reflects the historical importance of elephants in the region.
The temple is located in the city center near the Nan National Museum and is accessible on foot or by bicycle. Visitors should dress modestly with knees and shoulders covered, and shoes must be removed before entering buildings.
The Ho Trai library preserves one of Thailand's largest collections of Buddhist manuscripts, with some texts dating back to the 14th century under King Mengrai. These valuable documents contain stories of Buddha's life and record ancient laws and teachings found nowhere else.
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