Muang On Cave

THAILAND, Chiang Mai

This cave is located 40 km northeast of Mae On, Chiang Mai. It is the subject of a legend which states that it housed Sakyamuni Buddha and disciple Ananda for three days and three nights, at which time the Naga King transformed himself into a human to make offerings to them. The Buddha bestowed a piece of hair to the Naga King as proof of the visit, and the Naga King housed this piece of hair in a great stalagmite. Thus, this massive stalagmite is the main object of veneration within the cave.
The cave consists of upper and lower levels. The doorway to the cave is on the upper level, in addition to a small shrine. The main shrine is 30 m down from the entrance on the lower level. It is a large water-eroded cave containing a 15 m high stalagmite covered in natural crystals. Carved high up in the wall of the chamber is a large reclining Buddha and a seated Buddha in a naturally formed alcove.