Wat Prathat Sri Chom Tong

Wat Prathat Sri Chom Tong is a very special place.  The formal designation Prathat Sri indicates that it houses a relic of the Buddha.  This is analogous to the Catholic cathedrals which house relics of the various saints.  This relic, is said to be part of the right side of The Lord Buddha’s head.  This relic is not buried, as are most.  Rather, it is kept in a golden mondoo and is brought out for display during major Buddhist holidays.

The Chedi at Wat Prathat Sri Chom Tong

Wat Prathat Sri Chom Tong is also home of the Insight Meditation Center of Northern Thailand.  The Wat actually houses two complimentary centers one Thai and one international.  Vipassana Meditation as taught at the international center is the subject of my next article.  

Chedi just after sundown

While I was at the center I had the opportunity to see the temple during the evening, even to meditate on it's serene grounds.  What an amazing experience!