Wat Mahavan
Lamphun

Wat Mahawan, Amphoe Muang, was an old temple that was built since Queen Chamathewi ruled Hariphunchai around B.E. 1200 (1657 AD). At the time, she brought a Buddha image under a Naga hood or the black stone Buddha from Lawo (present day Lopburi) to be enshired in this temple. The people called it Phra Rod Luang or Phra Rod Lamphun. Later, the image was used as a model for creating votive tablets which became very well-known called “Phra Rod Mahawan”.

The temple prospered throughout many reigns. It was deserted for some time during war. It as restore again when Prince Sapasit, son of Phraya Rodrad ordinated as a novice at this temple in B.E. 1620 (1077 AD). A big Buddha image in the temple was also cast at the time. An outstanding feature of this temple is a large chedi which was built to cover the old one. The ubosot and Viharn have also been repaired.

Wat Phra Yuen
Lamphun

Wat Phra Yuen was built in the reign of Phranang Chammathewi. Initially, it was named “Wat Aranyikaram” and positioned among the four city-corner temples as the temple to the east. Afterwards, it was renamed “Phuttha Aram” during the reign of Phrachao Athittayarat, with a standing Buddha image cast and housed in the stupa.

In 1370, Phrachao Kuena restored the temople to be a residence of Phra Sumanathera the monk who was royally invited from Sukhothai to spread the Lankavamsa sect of Buddhism. A new Mondop was also built, and three other Buddha Images were cast.

The present Chedi was renovated in the reign of Chaoluang Inthayongyotchot, with an imitation of the Burmese Viharn in the Pagan era.