Architecture in Buddhawas Zone Pagoda (That Chedi, known in short as chedi) is a building in which Buddha relics are enshrined. It was the centre of the Buddhawas zone, especially in Wat Luang. Some private temples did not have this kind of pagoda. Lanna pagodas in the past consisted of unique characteristics which will be discussed in the next chapter.
Buddhist Chedi Top
Here, only That Chedi is discussed*.This is a clear example of Lanna’s unique architecture of the past, and, in fact, still exists today. The form and concept of That Chedi construction in Southeast Asia was influenced by India. In Indian architecture, the stupa was built for permanently keeping relics and as a way of remembering important people who passed away before Buddhist time. Components of Chedi Chedi has three main components. The “base” is large with many layers supporting “Ruaen That”. The “top” becomes slender to form a conical spire. Each part of chedi has a balanced geometric plan, including circular, square, and polygonal shapes. Ruaen That is the middle part of the chedi. Its shape plays a vital role in determining the form of the chedi. For example, “castle-shaped” has niches on each side containing Buddha images, while “bell-shaped” looks like a bell facing down. Each of the three main components may have more details in each facet of the square plan; for examples, Yokket adds edges of each side in descending layers, while Yo-ket decreases the right angle of the square plan and makes different small right angles.
Ruaen That
Changing plans to another shape in higher layers is called “facet adaption”, such as the changing from a square plan to an octagonal plan and a circular plan respectively.
“That Chedi” in Buddhism means a building for enshrining Lord Buddha’s relic or a respectful person.The one containing Lord Buddha’s relic is likely to be called “Phra Borommathat” or “Phra That”.The term “chetiya” is used in Lanna legends and ancient inscriptions. It came from Pali and Sanskrit language that referred to object, place, or respectful person. It is called “Chedi” in Thai or “That”. There is also a “Ku”, which refers to chedi in northern and north-eastern Thai dialects.
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Base
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