Wat Mahawan

Wat Mahawan

Constructed in the mid to later 19th century, this Wat has two styles of buildings.  There is a viharn and ubosot built in the Lanna style and then there is a brick viharn and chedi built using Burmese style, plus there is a Ho Trai.

The Lanna style viharn is the main viharn, with its imposing multi-tiered roof, was built in 1865.  The ends of the bargeboards have Naga serpents.  At the roofs top are chofah, a decorative thin bird, or Garuda.  At the stairs to the viharn entrance are 2 white Chinthe guarding the hall.  Lanna style wooden panels on the front gable are adorned with detailed carvings of deities and flower motifs in gold on a red background.  Large gold lacquered red columns support the roof and to the back of the viharn on a pedestal is the main Buddha image seated in the subduing Mara posture which is surrounded by several smaller Buddha images.

The Lanna style ubosot is next to the viharn.  There is an access gate adorned with detailed stuccoed decorations of mythical beings and Lanna flower motifs.

It is fitted with a 2 tiered roof, Nagas adorn the ends of the carved white bargeboards, and the gable is carved with golden flower motifs while the door contains golden flower motifs on a red background.

The Burmese style viharn is a brick building constructed at the end of the 19th century and houses a large seated Burmese style Buddha image.

Behind the Lanna style viharn is an attractive Burmese chedi ornamented with detailed stucco work.  This chedi is enclosed by a low wall with large guardian Chinthe in its corners.  At the center of each side there is a niche with a standing Buddha image flanked by celestial beings.  The top of the viharn has spiral and very ornate Pathein Htee (Burmese style umbrella).

The Ho Trai is a teak building with a multi-tiered roof.  Originally the scripture hall, it has been turned into a residence.

To get to Wat Mahawan, from The Phae Gate of the old walled town center, go east for 300 meters.  It is opposite Wat Cheatawan.