Queen Chamathewi Statue from Lamphun
According to the legend of Haripunchai, in 1204 BE (661 Ce) Chamatewi came from Lawo (modern-day Lopburi) to rule over Lamphun at the invitation of the hermit Wasuthep, who had founded the town but lacked a suitable ruler for it.
Chamathewi was the actual Mon queen and many followers migrated with her from the Chao Phraya river basin and the Dvaravati town of Lawo to this new northern location, bringing with them a well-established system of royal governance and Buddhist learning. The city prospered and Chamathewi eventually abdicated power to her son.
The people of Lamphun hold Chamathewi in great esteem, both as their first queen and as the city's main sacred figure. There is a bronze statue of her, one a half times taller than she was in real life, which has a merciful countenance and bears a sword to protect the city. The statue was made by the fine arts department and stands in the South of the city close to the fresh market. It is the spiritual heart.
(Source: Lamphun Tourist Guide Book, produced by Lamphun Province)
Chamathewi was the actual Mon queen and many followers migrated with her from the Chao Phraya river basin and the Dvaravati town of Lawo to this new northern location, bringing with them a well-established system of royal governance and Buddhist learning. The city prospered and Chamathewi eventually abdicated power to her son.
The people of Lamphun hold Chamathewi in great esteem, both as their first queen and as the city's main sacred figure. There is a bronze statue of her, one a half times taller than she was in real life, which has a merciful countenance and bears a sword to protect the city. The statue was made by the fine arts department and stands in the South of the city close to the fresh market. It is the spiritual heart.
(Source: Lamphun Tourist Guide Book, produced by Lamphun Province)
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Queen Chamathewi statue from Wat Phrathat Doi Kham, Chiang Mai
Nice blog. I liked the collection of statues you have. Thanks for sharing the story and statues of Queen Chamathewi. It is the spiritual heart.
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