History of queen Chamadevi

Queen Chamathevi

According to the Jinakalamalini, a 16th century chronicle, written in the Pali language, Haripunjaya was founded by the rishi (hermit) Vasudeva, known in Thai as "Suthep", who gave his name to the famous hilltop shrine of Doi Suthep: 
In the Year 1204 of the Buddhist era, at the full moon of the month of Pagguna, the hermit Vasudeva founded the city of Haripunjaya. Two years later, Cammadevi came from Lawapura and reigned at Haripunjaya.

The year 1204 B.E. corresponds to 661 C.E. (i.e. B.E. + 543 years), though modern scholars suggest 750 C.E. as a more likely date for the foundation of the city. "Cammadevi" is the Mon form of Chammathevi. Lawapura (city of the Lawa) was the Mon name for modern Lopburi, once part of the Mon kingdom of Dvaravati. Curiously, another early Pali chronicle, the Cammadevivamsa, uses the modern name Lamphun for the city. 
Queen Chamathevi
Her memory is still much revered in Lamphun with references to her all over the city, from the Chamathevi memorial (pictured right) to Wat Chamathevi - one of the oldest temples in northern Thailand. 

Legends of Chamathevi

In the Wiharn of Wat Chamathevi is a mural which depicts a princely gentleman in a turban, throwing a spear from a mountain top towards a distant walled town. The mountain is Doi Suthep west of Chiang Mai, the town is Lamphun, the prince is the Lawa Chieftain Khun Luang Wilanga and the hat is the subject of the story.

The Three Spears

The legend tells that King Wilanga wooed Queen Chamathevi for many years without success. Eventually she was compelled to promise marriage, but only on the condition that he prove himself by throwing three spears into the center of Lamphun from the top of Doi Suthep. 

When his first spear reached the target, the queen, fearing he might win the challenge, made him a turban from her own sarong, claiming it would give him strength for the next attempts. Weakened by traces of menstrual blood in the fabric, the prince threw the second spear short and lost the contest. 

One version of the story says that he threw the third spear straight up in the air and was killed by it as it returned to earth. In any case the queen retained her city. 

The It was then that the barbarian king Bilanka approached with 80,000 soldiers, in the hope of taking Haripunjaya. Then Mahayasa mounted on the elephant's shoulders, and Indaravara on the middle of the back, with the Mahout behind. Surrounded by a multitude of soldiers they made a sortie from the western gate of the city. The barbarian king, seeing the tusks of this white elephant as if lit up by a red glow, feared for his life and fled the field of battle, his comrades dispersing in all directions." (translation from the French version of George Coedes by current author)

The unfortunate King Wilanga is still remembered by the Lawa as the last king of their people. As late as the 1990's, Dr. Christian Goodden heard stories of him in a Lawa village near Mae Sariang, on the Burma border (see his book Three Pagodas). The Lawa Guardian Spirits of Chiang Mai are still honored every year in a buffalo slaughter at Bahn Pa Chi, near Doi Suthep. 

End of Haripunjaya

Haripunjaya flourished as a political and cultural center until 1275 when it was conquered by King Mengrai, ruler of the northern Tai kingdom of Lan Na and founder of Chiang Mai. Lan Na itself, however, acquired much of its Buddhist culture from the Mon peoples of the conquered city.

Lamphun: ancient Haripunjaya

Phra Borommathat Haripunchai

Most people visit Lamphun from Chiang Mai. By train it takes about 30 minutes, with 2 trains early morning, and two return trains in the evening. The station is some 2km from the town center, but Song Thaews wait at the station. 

Bus services run from Chang Puak Bus terminal in Chiang Mai, north of Chang Puak Gate, and a blue Song Thaew service runs from just south of Narawat bridge on the east side of the river. Price is 14 Baht and the journey takes around 30 minutes. Many people also hire cars or motorcycles from Chiang Mai. 

Buses and Song Thaews stop at the rear entrance to Wat Phrathat. Return bus or Song Thaew to Chiang Mai can be found outside the Lamphun Museum, opposite the west gate of Wat Phrathat Haripunchai.

Lamphun is one of the most ancient cities in Thailand, dating back at least to the 8th century C.E. when it was the center of the Mon kingdom of Haripunjaya.

The city lies along the west bank of the Mae Kuang River, about 26km south of Chiang Mai. The old city center forms an oval shape, oriented NE to SW, about 1km long by 500m wide, moated on all sides. There was formerly a wall as well, but this is long gone, though sections have been re-built at the NE and NW city gates, with an extended section by the river. 

The town is very quiet, but well worth a visit for the ancient temples of Wat Phrathat Haripunchai, Wat Mahawan, Wat Phra Yuen and Wat Chamathevi. 

Getting There

Getting Around

Walking is a good way to tour Lamphun, but samlors are recommended for visiting Wat Phra Yuen, Wat Chamathevi, and the Ku Chang shrine. 

Hotels

I have never been tempted to stay in Lamphun - Chiang Mai is very close - but I have noticed a couple of pleasant looking GUEST HOUSES on the way to Wat Chamathevi

Read more details
http://www.thailandbytrain.com/Lamphun.html

Wat Mahawan Lamphun

This Haripunchai period temple is just outside the old city, on Chamathewi Road which is also the way to Wat Chamathewi. Turn left from the back entrance of Wat Phra That, then right at the first intersection. Walk a few hundred meters through the western gates and across the ring road. The wat is on the right hand side. 

Wat Mahawan was founded possibly as early as the 8th century, though there have been extensive rebuildings and renovations since. It is said that queen Chamathevi herself placed here a black stone Buddha with a Naga hood. This Buddha, originally from Lopburi is known as the Phra Rod Luang and has been the model for numerous amulets, which are much sought after in the amulet markets. 

Viharn , Wat Mahawan

The temple features a beautiful Lanna style Wiharn with a small but spectacular naga staircase and a large seated Buddha image within, together with the black Phra Rot Luang image which measures 17" by 38". 

According to a notice in the temple grounds, the original Chedi housed a large number of amulets (normally 84000 to match the 84000 teachings of the Buddha) in its reliquary chamber, but this was broken into and plundered, so eventually a new Chedi was built over the original structure. 

The bell tower, set in a small garden to the north of the Wiharn, is very attractive, and a small Mondop to the right houses a number of black stone copies of Phra Rod Luang. 

More details
http://www.thailandbytrain.com/Lamphun.html

Wat Phra Yuen

The original complex dates back to the 11th century, although a number of restorations and expansions have taken place since then.

This wat is located in a small grove around 1 km to the east of central Lamphun. Its not really worth the walk out unless you have a specific interest in wats or have 30 minutes or so to kill.
The original complex dates back to the 11th century, although a number of restorations and expansions have taken place since then.

This wat is located in a small grove around 1 km to the east of central Lamphun. Its not really worth the walk out unless you have a specific interest in wats or have 30 minutes or so to kill.

To get here walk through the covered bridge and then continue down the road for about ten minutes, then cross the main road you reach and the temple is straight ahead.

Read more details
http://www.travelfish.org/sight_profile/thailand/northern_thailand/lamphun/lamphun/119

Hariphunchai National Museum

This good little museum has a permanent exhibit downstairs that displays a variety of stone inscriptions that have been unearthed in the surrounding area. Upstairs has a permanent exhibition of Haripunchai and Lanna art. Many (though not all) the items have bilingual labels.
Its a reasonable and balanced museum with an interesting and quite varied collection. It also hosts occasional temporary exhibitions.

Its worth a look if you are in town - allow at least 30 minutes to an hour to get the most out of it.

Read more details
http://www.travelfish.org/sight_profile/thailand/northern_thailand/lamphun/lamphun/121

Lamphun History

Small province in North Thailand with a rich history

Lamphun is a small Northern province of valleys, mountains, forests and historical sights. Its agriculture consists mainly of rice farming and longan orchards. The provincial seal shows the chedi of its most highly revered temple, the Wat Phra That Haripunchai.

Ku Chang chedi

The capital of the province, also called Lamphun, is a small town with a relaxed atmosphere situated on the banks of the Kuang river in a valley surrounded by mountains.
One of Thailand’s oldest towns, Lamphun is rich in historical sights from several era’s. A number of monuments date back to the towns founding like the Ku Chang-Ku Mah chedis, that according to legend enshrine the remains of two animals that belonged to the town’s founder.

History of Lamphun

The town of Lamphun is believed to have been founded in the early 9^thcentury. It was the capital of the Haripunchai Kingdom, a Mon Kingdom in North Thailand. Then called Haripunchai, the town was bordered on the East side by the Kuang river and surrounded by a moat and defensive walls on the other three sides.
The town was founded by Queen Chama Thewi, believed to be a Princess of the Lavo Kingdom from Lopburi. A large bronze statue of her in the Nong Dok public park honors the Queen to this day.
According to ancient chronicles the city was founded much earlier in the year 661 when a hermit named Suthewa Rusi requested Chama Thewi to found a new city and establish Buddhism in the area. A statue of the hermit stands in front of the Lamphun town hall.
In 1281 King Mengrai of the Lanna Kingdom conquered the city and incorporated Haripunchai into Lanna. The Lamphun area was under the control of the Burmese for over two centuries until the end of the 18^thcentury.

Getting to Lamphun

Lamphun is located some 670 kilometers North of Bangkok and 40 kilometers South of Chiang Mai. The town can easily be visited as a day trip from Chiang Mai.
Taxi
The most comfortable way to get to Lamphun is by private taxi. Hiring one for 4 hours to visit sights in the Chiang Mai and Lamphun area would cost around 800 to 1,000 Baht excluding fuel. Agree on price, duration of the trip and places to visit before leaving.
Train
Lamphun is easily reached by train from Chiang Mai. The 22 kilometer trip takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of service. Fares for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd class are 21, 11 and 5 Baht respectively. For more info, visit the website of the State Railway of Thailand. The Lamphun train station is located North of the town center. To get to the sights, take a songthaew, a converted pick up truck with benches in the back.
Bus

Busses to Lamphun leave from Chiang Mai’s Chang Puak station near the South city gate. The trip takes around one hour, the fare is 25 Baht.

Read more details
http://www.renown-travel.com/north/lamphun.html

Transport Lamphun

Option in Lamphun, Thailand

Lamphun is a small province located between Lampang and Chiang Mai and is easily reached via car, bus or train. It is also possible to take a plane to Chiang Mai and then a short bus to Lamphun. Once there, it may be easier to get around with your own car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. songtaews, motorbike taxis, samlors, and tuk tuks.

By Train

Trains leave Bangkok’s Hua Lumphong Railway Station every day for Chiang Mai, all of which make stops in Lamphun, 30 to 45 minutes away from Chiang Mai. Call 1690 for more information.

By Car

From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Nakhon Sawan via Sing Buri and Chai Nat, then turn into Highway No. 11 and proceed to Lamphun, a total distance of 670 kilometers.

From Chiang Mai simply drive south on either Highway No.11 or No.106 to Lamphun.

By Bus

Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned busses depart daily from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to Lamphun. Traveling time is about 9 hours. Call 0 2936 0852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information. Indra Tour, a private bus company, also operates air-conditioned busses to Lamphun. Call 0 2208 0840 for information.

By Air

Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then take a Chiang Mai-Lamphun bus that leaves Chiang Mai’s Chang Phueak Bus Station every 15 minutes. Traveling time from Chiang Mai to Lamphun is 45 minutes.

Getting Around Lamphun

As in most rural Thai provinces there are typically songtaews that follow established routes around the provincial capital and local busses and songtaews for trips between towns within the province. Songtaews, motorbike taxis, and samlors (three wheeled pedal powered cabs) are usually available for private charter as well.

To Mae Ping National Park:
By Car:
From Lamphun take road number 1087 (Li-Ko) along which the park headquarters is located between kilometers 20 and 21.

By Ship:
As the Ping River flows through the park, visitors can take a boat from Doi Tao Reservoir, Chiang Mai province to Bhumipol Dam in Tak Province and then onto Doi Tao Reservoir

Read More details

http://www.tourismthailand.org/Where-to-Go/Lamphun/Transport