Naga Stairway - Chiang Mai, Thailand
Posted by: denben
N 18° 48.244 E 098° 55.218
47Q E 491601 N 2079150
16th-century naga stairway climbing up to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Waymark Code: WMG42Y
Location: Thailand
Date Posted: 01/09/2013
Views: 10
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The original founding of the temple remains a legend and there are a few varied versions. The temple is said to have been founded in 1383 when the first chedi was built. Over time, the temple has expanded, and been made to look more extravagant with many more holy shrines added.
A road to the temple was first built in 1935. From the car park, at the base of the temple, visitors can climb 309 steps to reach the pagodas. There is also a tram available at the cost of 30 Thai baht.
A four-headed naga is guarding each side of the stairway. The naga in Buddhism is often depicted as a snake or a serpent-like creature. It is a guardian figure which keeps away bad spirits in Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
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