Wat Chet Lin

"Wat Chetlin, also known as Wat Jedlin or Wat Nong Chalin, is a tranquil and scenic temple in Chiang Mai, located beside a serene lake adorned with lotus flowers and lily pads. The atmosphere here offers a peaceful retreat from the city, with bamboo pavilions that provide a perfect spot for relaxation. Visitors can feed the fish with food sold at a small stall for 10 Baht, adding a bit of interaction with the temple's lively aquatic life. A bamboo walkway, lined with colorful banners, stretches along the lake, leading towards the monks' quarters. The temple grounds also feature unique statues and a naga water run, where visitors can pour holy water as part of a Buddhist blessing ritual. During my visit, it was Mother’s Day in August, and displays honoring the Queen Mother added to the atmosphere, attracting numerous visitors due to the holiday. The temple includes several pavilions, a viharn (main hall), an old brick chedi (stupa), and another structure under construction for general use. The viharn is built in the traditional Lanna style, with a striking three-tiered roof featuring eagle chofa heads and naga bargeboards. The roof’s apex is adorned with a row of hamsas and a tall gilt umbrella finial. The interior is modest, with plain white walls and minimal decoration, but the main altar is home to a seated Buddha in the Subduing Mara mudra, surrounded by smaller Buddha statues, including a finely crafted stone Buddha in the meditation posture. The chedi, a highlight of the temple, follows the Lanna architectural tradition and resembles those found in other temples in the city, such as Wat Lok Moli. Its brick construction features a layered design with niches that once held Buddha images. While the niches are now empty, the chedi still retains its distinctive form, with a multi-layered hti (umbrella) at its top. Wat Chetlin also showcases a number of quirky and symbolic features, such as unusual statues of mythical animals, including a five-eyed feline believed to have Buddhist significance. Nearby, luk nimit, large balls that are placed under sema stones marking the boundaries of the ordination hall, invite visitors to contribute by purchasing gold leaf to affix to the balls, a practice believed to bring merit. One of the most unique features of Wat Chetlin is the opportunity to bless the Buddha by pouring sacred water into a long, naga-shaped channel that circles around the temple grounds before being deposited on the Buddha’s left shoulder. This ritual is a fun and interactive way to engage with the temple’s spiritual practices, adding to the charm of the temple’s serene atmosphere. Wat Chetlin is open daily from 4:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and entrance is free of charge. It's a must-visit for those seeking both spiritual engagement and a peaceful escape in Chiang Mai."

"A unique temple that's worth a stop, with a beautiful bamboo bridge and lotus pond."