A few years ago, when I was on a short stay to the International Buddhist College in Sadao (where I am currently spending the Rains Retreat) we went out for a trip to what was described to me as The Iron Stupa.
When we got there it became clear that the description was somewhat array, and what was meant was a Stainless Steel Stupa or Chedi. The unique structure, apparently the only one in the world, sits atop a hill not far from the center of Hatyai.
The name of the Chedi, in full Phra Mahathat Chedi Traiphop Traimongkhon, means the Cetiya of the Three Realms (of Existence) and the Three Blessings (Nation, Religion and King) containing the Great Relic.
We arrived late that day and although I managed to get some photos, which I did indeed publish as an album, I always wanted to go back and get better photographs, and that is what I have now managed to do.
I have combined the photos I got in 2010 with the new ones from this year, and made an updated album of the Chedi, which has unique features like rounded doorways, and access to the hollow inside section of the Chedi.
I also managed to photograph all of the fine murals in the Chedi this time, which illustrate Jataka stories from the Bodhisatta’s career and The Life of the Buddha.
The two albums, both containing 64 photographs each, are now available online at the following addresses:
Chedi Traiphop Traimongkhon Temple
Chedi Traiphop Traimongkhon Murals
Chedi at Night
Chedi with Thailand Flag
Central Pillar
King Nimi is taken to see the Heavens and the Hells
The Invitation to Santusita Devaputta to help Humanity
The Buddha preaches Abhidhamma to his Mother in Heaven