“Wat Aranyawat” (Wat Ban Pong) Loha Prasat Thippayawimankham of Lanna city
“Aranyawas Temple” or “Ban Pong Temple” is a temple called after the name of the village, which is “Ban Pong”. The word “Pong” in the northern language means At the riverbank or in a swampy area The Ban Pong temple is located in a flat area at the foot of a mountain. Surrounded by mountains And there is the Tha Chang River flowing through the area in front of the temple. Make this area look like a basin. or stuck in the area around the water’s edge Often contains mineral salts that animals come to eat. This is consistent with the local legend of “Kwang Kham” where a northern lord chased a golden deer passing this way on horseback. Then there must be stops along the way at various points in each village that Kwang Kham passes up to Samoeng District. When passing this area of ​​Ban Pong, they will stop for a break. Therefore, it is the origin of the name of the village. “Ban Pong Yang Ma” (Yang = park, rest) is a place to rest horses. Suspension of past travel
It is assumed that “Wat Ban Pong” was built during the reign of Phrakhruba Jinna. Around the year 1843, it was a temple under the Maha Nikaya Sangha.
During the reign of King Rama V, the Central Sangha Organization Led by Somdet Phra Maha Samanachao Krom Phraya Wajirayanawarorot There has been a movement to improve it. “Government of the Sangha” throughout the country to be consistent with the government. The name “Ban Pong Temple” appears, depending on the category of the temple of Nong Khwai Temple. Depends on Ban Pong region Based on Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Sect Same as Wat Ban Kwen (Ton Kwen Temple today) in the current Hang Dong District.
For this reason, the name of the temple has been changed from “Wat Ban Pong” to “Wat Aranyawat” since the time it received the Royal Wisungkhamsima in 1955. The administrative administration department probably saw that the temple area Next to him and in the forest Therefore, the temple was named “Aranyawat” as the official name, which means temple in the forest, which is consistent with the geography according to the understanding of the central language.

Ban Pong Temple is considered another important temple in terms of history, society, and politics of the Lanna Kingdom. Especially in the transitional era where political, administrative and cultural roles are centralized. and from Burma are competing in the northern region. There was a comparative analysis study from important pieces of evidence from the community, namely the original mural paintings in the temple of Ban Pong Temple from 1987 – 1988 by Prof. M.L. Surasawat Suksawat, a full-time lecturer. Faculty of Fine Arts Chiang Mai University Let us know that Ban Pong Temple is another temple that has valuable Buddhist art. both in architecture and murals Even though it is only a small temple in the countryside. But the Buddhist art that was created It indicates the faith in Buddhism of the people of that era very well. Because the murals in the temple used indigo (blue) contrasting with black to paint most of the images. In those days, indigo was an expensive color. Must be imported from China Therefore, it can be assumed that Wat Ban Pong should have barons both in the community and Burmese and Chinese merchant barons. People who believed in Buddhism traveled to trade in this area and supported the construction of temples. Because villagers alone in the community would not have been able to build a temple of this size.
However, it is very unfortunate that The old temple has been torn down. A new temple has already been built in its place. As a result, important pieces of historical evidence of this nation have been lost and their value cannot be regained again.

Inside Wat Ban Pong, there are many interesting things. But the most outstanding thing that can be seen from far away is Phra That Chedi Si Mueang Pong. Loha Prasat Thippayawimankham of Lanna Located on the top of a mountain behind the temple by “Phra That Chedi Si Muang Pong”, there was no evidence of when it was originally built. Who built it and what kind of shape was it used in construction?
In the past, this area was just a mountain peak with a large amount of bricks deposited. Until the villagers affectionately called it “Pok Din Ki” (or Noen It), which is still a question that cannot be answered. “Who left it here?” And for what purpose? By hearsay It tells of a phenomenon where there are lights floating from various directions. Then gathered together near the pile of bricks. with a big tree in the middle Then a cloud of light rose and fell. until there was bright light all around You can see every branch of the tree from a distance. People who had the opportunity to witness this phenomenon They all knew by agreement and understood that It’s a phenomenon. “Phra That Sadet”

Later, Phra Maha Duangchan Chantachoto (Achan Duangchan Khodkaew), the abbot of that time, had a project to build a pagoda containing the Buddha’s relics in the temple area. To give faith to the people to have the opportunity to pay homage and worship With Father Kru Prasit Insat, a baron who believed in Buddhism. Pawanna will preside over the construction. Originally, the plan was to dig a hole to build a pagoda in the northern area of ​​the temple. But the next day it turned out that the building of the pagoda had to be replaced. For reasons that are not due to coincidence But it is Dhamma allocated according to the principle of Itappapaccayatā. (Because this has happened before, this will happen again.) From the words of a young novice who suddenly spoke truthfully to the previous abbot, “Tupee, if we can get Phra That on Doi Pok Din Ki, it would be great.”
Such words This made the Master stop and think for a moment. Then he said, “I want to build one too. The story of faith has been passed down continuously. There will be a relic released on the day of the month of Peng,” which was a young novice at that time. Currently, he is Phrakhru Achawapreecha. Current Abbot This became the starting point for building Phra That Chedi on top of a mountain in an area where a large number of Mon bricks had been deposited. which can be considered as the restoration from ruins to “Phra That Chedi Ong Mai” can be said
The construction of Phra That Chedi in this area makes it visible from below or even from a distance.

Currently, Phra That Chedi Si Mueang Pong A “loha castle” was built to cover the original pagoda. In order to preserve and restore the ancient sites to remain with the community. Also, to offer it as a royal merit to His Majesty King Rama IX.

“Loha Prasat” is the original name of India. It has been called since the time of the Buddha. Somdej Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanubhab gave the meaning: “Buildings with metal tops” are ancient monuments that exist only in three places in the world. The first “loha castle” was built in India during the Buddha’s time and is called Mikaramatu Prasat. It is in Wat Buppharam, Muang Saket, on the east side of Savatthi. By Mrs. Visakha Maha Upasikaputri Thananchai The Nawab of Savatthi built it for the Lord Buddha. From the auction of their jewelry called “Mahaladaprasadhan” obtained the money and used it to build a place for monks to practice Dhamma. It looks like a large castle with 2 floors and 1,000 rooms. The top of the castle is made of gold. Today, this castle is in ruins with only the foundation remaining.

“The second metal castle” is enshrined in the city of Anuradhapura. Sri Lanka today Built by King Dutthakamani Abhaya. King of Anuradhapura around 382 B.E. according to the prophecy in the land of Suphannabat that Phra Mahinda Thera met. His Majesty ordered it to be built according to the design of Thipayawiman that His Majesty had seen. It has wide sides and tall sides. The roof is covered with copper sheets. The walls are decorated with precious stones and ivory. Monks lived on each floor according to their knowledge, with those of high rank living on the upper floor. Then it descends in order. Because the roof is lined with copper sheets. When the lightning struck, there was a fire that caused damage many times. Lord Satthatissa Therefore, he ordered a new one to be only 7 stories high. This castle was later destroyed by thieves. Currently, there are still ruins of the castle remaining. It consists of approximately 1,600 stone pillars.

and “Third Loha Prasat” built at Wat Ratchanatdaram. Bangkok, Thailand, during the reign of King Nang Klao, King Rama III, this temple was built to be given to His Royal Highness the granddaughter of His Royal Highness Prince Sommanat Watthanawadi. As for the castle’s metal, His Majesty ordered the designers to design it in 1846, the year the construction began. To be a Buddhist place to practice Dharma and propagate Buddhism of Rattanakosin. The building has 7 descending floors. The 7th floor, the topmost part, is the top of Chaturamukh Castle. Contains the relics of His Majesty the Lord Buddha. There are 37 castle peaks in total and were completely restored during the reign of King Rama IX. It is considered the only metal castle in the world that is still intact and elegantly enshrined until today.

As for the “Fourth Loha Prasat”, construction is currently underway at Wat Ban Pong. to cover the original pagoda which houses the sacred relics of the Buddha that are more than a hundred years old. and 28 Buddhas are enshrined for the highest worship. Including being a place to practice Dhamma and propagate Buddhism of the northern region. Using design techniques from engineers who are knowledgeable and skilled in Buddhist art. which has brought the pagoda and temple to be used together seamlessly Because the ground floor will be an open hall. It can hold no less than 300 Dhamma practitioners. The upper part looks like a castle-shaped pagoda in the Lanna style. The base plan of the castle is square with a courtyard surrounding it. The roof of the castle is covered with gilded metal sheets, descending in 3 levels. The 3rd level is the top of the castle which is covered with gold to hold the relics of the Lord Buddha. Each floor has an arch on 4 sides, covered with metal and gilded patterns, reducing in a tiered tier from the base up to the top. The stucco work and decorations are based on applied Lanna beliefs.
which when construction is completed it will be considered as “The world’s first Lanna-style metal castle” is considered a valuable contemporary architectural work that will be passed down as a legacy of the land of Thailand forever.