Wat Rong Ngae

Wat Rong Ngae is located at No. 7, Worananakhon Subdistrict, Pua District, Nan Province. It is a royal temple of the Mahanikaya sect and is considered an ancient temple, believed to have been built around 1787 CE (B.E. 2310) under the leadership of Chao Luang Thepphaya Rin, the Lord of the White Elephant with Green Tusks.

 

Originally, he ruled over Muang Lin, a Tai Lue-speaking area under the domain of Sipsongpanna, governed by Phaya Saen Mueang Kaeo. During a time of war, Muang Lin was invaded by enemy forces. Phaya Saen Mueang Kaeo could not withstand the attack, prompting Chao Luang Thepphaya Rin to step in with four generals Thao Kaew Pun Mueang, Thao Wanna, Thao Lek Fai, and Thao Toea—to support the defense. However, the resistance failed, and they were forced to retreat, gathering their people and fleeing south until they reached the area near the Long Ngae River. The river, named after the Ngae tree with fruit resembling an orange, marked a fertile land, prompting them to establish a new village called Ban Rong Ngae, a name that evolved from Long Ngae. When they built a temple, it was named after the village.

 

Wat Rong Ngae was officially registered as an ancient temple in 1787 (B.E. 2310) and received royal boundary recognition (Wisungkhamsima) on January 10, 1927 (B.E. 2470).

 

The viharn (ordination hall) of Wat Rong Ngae is built in the local Nan architectural style, believed to be crafted by royal artisans. Its roof features three tiers in two layers and uses the “ma tang mai” construction technique, where beams rest on side columns without a central post. The roof is covered with wooden shingles known as “pan klet.” Distinctive features include intricate wood carvings of floral motifs on the gables and brackets shaped like elephant ears, adorned with carvings of deities, giants, and humans. Inside the viharn, there are round columns lacquered with gold leaf over a red base, and various sacred religious artifacts are preserved.

 

The principal Dhamma seat, or Thammat Ek, at Wat Rong Ngae is an ancient, roofless pulpit used during the Mahachat sermon. It is believed to have been built at the same time as the viharn. This structure, in Nan style, is octagonal and made half of brick and half of wood. Its base features stucco designs of vines and animals, inlaid with colored glass, while the upper part is wooden, painted with celestial figures and intricate patterns, especially a beautifully crafted butterfly motif.

 

The principal Buddha image inside the viharn is in the Maravijaya posture (subduing Mara) and is ceremonially named “Si Sawatthi Sirivisuddha Vivamangala Sawatsati Abhivandana Barattana Okasammasadu.” According to oral tradition, it was commissioned by Thao Phrom, his wife Utdee, and the Samphanthawong family, along with the villagers. They held a meeting and decided unanimously to invite Khruba Intha, the abbot of Wat Hia in Pua, along with eight other monks, to lead the religious rituals. Local elders and devotees from nearby villages joined together as the monks chanted protective Buddhist prayers and began the construction of the Buddha image. The image was completed and consecrated on the waning moon of the first night, March 24, 1928 (B.E. 2471).

 

The Sattaphan, or “Crystal Staircase” is a sacred ritual structure uniquely designed in the traditional Nan style. It is used during the Mahachat sermon, typically held on Loy Krathong (full moon of the 12th lunar month). During the ritual, the structure is placed in front of the main Buddha image, and metal plates engraved with elephants, horses, gongs, and drums are laid on top. Seven incense sticks and candles are lit in reverence to the Triple Gem.

 

The Sattaphan is a significant offering in Lanna Buddhist practice, often made of wood, intricately carved with images of mythical animals and plants, especially Nāga serpents. Some are decorated with lacquer, gold leaf, and colored glass, and the upper part usually holds seven candleholders. These seven are believed to represent the seven mountains surrounding Mount Meru the divine abode—including Yugandhara, Isindhara, Karavika, Nemintha, Suddhassana, Vinattaka, and Assakantha.

 

Another form of Sattaphan, shaped like a staircase approximately one meter wide, is crafted by artisans from Phrae and Nan and reflects Tai Lue artistic influence. This version is simpler in design, with three candleholders on each side and one in the center at the back. These rare forms of Sattaphan are now found in only a few places, such as the museum at Wat Luang in Phrae, Wat Nong Daeng in Chiang Klang, Nan, and Wat Rong Ngae in Pua, Nan.