The temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most important temples
in Chiang Mai, as well as one of the most revered among all Thais. The temple is
a major pilgrimage destinations during the important Buddhist holidays of Makha
Buja and Visak. Its importance, as well as its location, owes much to the legend
of its founding.
According to this legend, a Buddha relic, which some say glowed, magically
replicated just before it was about to be enshrined in the big chedi at Wat Suan
Dok. The "cloned" relic was placed on the back of a sacred white
elephant, which was allowed to roam wherever it wanted.
The elephant eventually climbed to the top of Suthep Mountain, trumpeted three
times, turned around three times, knelt down and died. This was taken as a sign
that this was the spot where the relic wanted to be, so King Ku Na built the
original of the chedi on Doi Suthep at the end of 14th century.
The temple's golden chedi, or pagoda, contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts
Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year.