Chiang Rai News
Thousands of Merit Makers Join Pilgrimage to Wat Phra That Doi Tung Temple
CHIANG RAI – Thousands of worshipers from Thailand, Myanmar and Lao participated in a pilgrimage to Wat Phra That Doi Tung in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province to maintain the annual longstanding tradition and promote Buddhism and tourism.
Phra Ratanamunee, acting ecclesiastic chief of Chiang Rai, and Chiang Rai governor Prajon Pratyasakul launched the pilgrimage at Wat Sala Choeng Doi in Huai Khrai sub-district of Mae Sai district.
After the opening ceremony, they led the crowd to walk on a nine-kilometer-long uphill trail to Wat Phra That Doi Tung. Pilgrims need patience and faith to finish the walk.
In the past, revered monk Khruba Siwichai made the trail to Wat Phra That Doi Tung on the top of the Doi Tung mountain. It is believed that the temple houses Buddha’s left collar bone. Thus it has been a place of worship and spiritual peace for local residents in the three countries.
Besides, the pagoda that keeps the Buddha relics at Wat Phra That Doi Tung is believed to be the first pagoda with Buddha relics of the ancient Lanna Kingdom.
