Buddhist Cosmology in the Physical Design of Intharawat Temple (Wat Ton Kwen), Chiang Mai

Abstract

The Buddhist architecture of Thailand, particularly the phutthawat (public areas), reflects Buddhist cosmological principles. The adherence to these principles is also reflected in the construction of Chedis (stupa) located at the center of temple and its symmetrical layout representing Mount Meru, the vertical axis connecting to the whole cosmos. However, at the Intharawat Temple (Wat Ton Kwen), the temple's architectural elements do not seem to comply with this concept since there is no stupa in the phutthawat area and the general layout is asymmetrical. This study aims to find out whether the design of this temple complies with principles featured in Buddhist texts and, if so, which ones. In doing so, it uses a research method based on architectural history and three different sets of data: the history of the temple; its architectural design; and Buddhist cosmological texts written by Buddhist monks in Lanna. The paper argues that the layout of Intharawat Temple is related to the mythological city of Phra In, the leader of the thirty-three deities in Buddhist cosmology. His city is located on the summit of Mount Meru. The Phichayon Prasat (represented by Phra Wihan) is located at the center of the city; it is surrounded by walls represented by the salabat (the 'alms bowl' pavilion). The Chulamani Stupa to the southeast of the city is represented by a four-faced pavilion. In addition to similarities in terms of spatial layout, there are further parallels that can be drawn based on the temple's name and that of its monk founder. This study highlights a certain degree of flexibility in the way Buddhist cosmological principles manifested themselves in the planning and architecture of temples.