Wat Chang Lom the Elephant Temple of Sukhothai
Situated outside the Sukhothai city limits is this beautiful Wat Chang Lom (temple surrounded by elephants). It belongs to 14th century. Wat Chang Lom has a special place in my memory because of the beautiful elephants lined up around the base of the Wat. There are 32 of them! Not all were in good shape. Many have crumbled and some forms are on the verge of disappearing. The whole site was neat, lot of vacant space around it. It looked to me as if Sukhothai is free of land sharks, because there were not many shops or buildings around it.
Wat Chang Lom the Elephant Temple
Wat Chang Lom Sukhothai
As we walked towards it, the elephant heads started taking definite shape and color. The complex has Sri Lankan style chedi, it stands on 3 tiered square base on a platform. The platform is decorated with elephants; it gives a feel as if the elephants are supporting the entire structure on their back. There are several Buddha figures in the niches. Most of the elephants had dry moss growth on them; I wished a better maintenance was done on them.
Sukhothai is 400kms north of Bangkok. Bangkok is easily reachable, as there are several flights to the city from different parts of world.
good info and nyc temple!!
Hi Ankur, it is a garland of ral flowers. Some devotee must have put it there.
This amazing old structure is really an engineering marvel.
second shot see the garland in elephant trunk .. is it made in such way or have someone put it there ?.. nice shots and info 🙂
Thailand is a very nice place to visit…My relatives went there and they were all praising about Thailand…
beautiful…temple and the elephant is lively !!
Looks like an interesting place…
That's very cool.
I'm trying to fathom a faith and tradition that reveres elephants. I think I would like to experience that kind of world view.
Brilliant statues Indrani.
Lovely clicks
Very impressive elephants! Must do Thailand one day.
Great tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Such a beautiful temple. looks a wonderful framework.
Wow! those elephants look o real!
Such a lovely place!
Beautiful
amazing Wat. i'm sure I will ever make it to that side of the world. you never know…until then i will admire!
one of the tourist spots in thailand isn't it?
I was not at all familiar with this wat, but it is beautiful.
That must be beautiful to see ! Unfortunately a little far for me !
YEr: the moss on the elephants. es. it's sad when national treasures are not well cared for.
Wonderful sculptures and an impressive structure indeed! The elephants are amazing! Thanks for sharing, as always!
Wonderful shots. Your travels are always so interesting.
That's wonderful! Sounds so impressive structure
at first when i read that some of the 32 elephants were not in good shape, i thought they were living! so glad to know they are carved! and lovely!
Interesting architecture!
Another nice post, beautiful photos.
Impressive sculptures for sure.
Hugs
SueAnn
Amazing place to visit, Indrani! The elephants would be a favorite of mine. Great post.
interesting info and beautiful photo
thanks
Nice temple.