Wat Pong Yang Kok

THAILAND, Lampang

The temple is said to have been founded in 690 after Queen Chamathewi of Haripunchai passed by Lampang and auspicious signs appeared. The present main hall was built by a local ruler between 1732 and 1759.
The temple consists of the main hall, ordination hall, and other shrines. The main hall is constructed in wood on a rectangular layout. It is an open-sided, old Lanna style building with no walls at the front and on the sides. The steep slope of the roof provides a high ceiling space, which keeps the interior dark and cool. The exterior is scarcely decorated and appears in its original unadorned teak. Only the pediment is lightly decorated with a floral strip above the door and some floral designs on the sides. In contrast, the interior is decorated, but in a simple, traditional style, with golden motifs covering the two rows of circular columns, the roof beams, the upper sections of the side walls, and the back wall. The surfaces are lacquered, producing a fine finish. The main Buddha statue is enshrined in an elaborate niche shaped like a pyramidal stupa.