The Construction of Subhaddachetiya at Bodhipala Monastery
In March 2023, the Most Venerable Phra Brohmvachirayanasophon (Luang Por Liem), Abbot of Wat Nong Pa Pong Monastery in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, visited Bodhipala Monastery for the first time. During his stay, he selected a site he deemed suitable for the construction of a Buddhist monument, also known as a Chedi (or Chetiya or Stupa).
Following his visit, architectural plans were developed and submitted for approval. Planning permission was officially granted in early 2024.
In March 2024, we had the great honour of welcoming the Royal Thai Ambassador to Australia, Khun Arjaree Sriratanabun, who presided over the official launch of the Chedi construction project with the unveiling of the plans at Bodhipala Monastery.
Construction commenced with the ceremonial placement of the Foundation Stone on 16th March 2025, by the Most Venerable Phra Brohmvachirayanasophon (Luang Por Liem Thitadhammo), Advisor to the 10th Precinct Sangha Administration and Abbot of Wat Nong Pa Pong. He was joined by the founder of Bodhipala Monastery, Venerable Phra Sophonbhavanavithet (Luang Por Kalyano), Abbot of Buddha Bodhivana Monastery in Melbourne, Victoria, along with Sangha members from Thailand and across Australia.
The Chedi, named Subhaddachetiya by Venerable Phra Brohmvachirayanasophon, is dedicated to our late teacher, the Venerable Ajahn Chah, in recognition of his profound spiritual legacy. It stands as a gesture of deep respect and gratitude.
A Chedi is one of the most revered religious icons in Buddhism, with a history spanning over 2,500 years, dating back to the time of the Buddha. Our project, will feature a replica of the Phra That Doi Tung Chedi in Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand. Standing nearly 15 meters in height. The Subhaddachetiya will enshrine relics of the Lord Buddha and is intended to serve as a beacon of inspiration, reverence, and faith for future generations of Buddhists in South Australia and beyond.
What Is a Chedi/Stupa?
A Chedi (also spelled Chedi, Chetiya or Stupa) is a term used primarily in Thai Buddhism and some neighbouring countries to refer to a Buddhist Monument.
Significance of a Buddhist Monument:
- It represents the enlightened mind of the Buddha and serves as a place for contemplation.
- Houses relics, such as fragment remains of the Buddha or revered monks.
- Commemorates sacred events, such as the Buddha’s place of enlightenment.
- The upward spire symbolises the aspiration for enlightenment and to reach higher realms.
- Serves as a site of veneration and pilgrimage.
“There are four persons, Ananda, who are worthy of a stupa. Who are those four? A Tathagata, an Arahant, a Fully Enlightened One is worthy of a stupa; so also is a Paccekabuddha, and a disciple of a Tathagata, and a universal monarch.”
“And why, Ananda, is a Tathagata, an Arahant, a Fully Enlightened One worthy of a stupa? Because, Ananda, at the thought: 'This is the stupa of that Blessed One, Arahant, Fully Enlightened One!' the hearts of many people will be calmed and made happy; and so calmed and with their minds established in faith therein, at the breaking up of the body, after death, they will be reborn in a realm of heavenly happiness.” D.N:16, Maha-Parinibbana Sutta
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| Tooth Relic Temple, Kandy, Sri Lanka |
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| Luang Por Chah's Chedi, Wat Nong Pah Pong, Ubon, Thailand |
The design of the Bodhipala Monastery Chedi is based on the Chedi at Wat Phra That Doi Tung (วัดพระธาตุดอยตุง). Below is some historical background on this particular Chedi design.
Historical and Religious Significance in Northern Thailand
Origins and Early History
Wat Phra That Doi Tung is revered as the site of the first Chedi built in what would later become the Lanna Kingdom of Northern Thailand. The temple’s origins trace back to the ancient Yonok Kingdom (also known as Singhavanati), which predated the Lanna era.
According to legend, in 910–911 CE, King Achutarat of Chiang Saen commissioned the construction of a Chedi to enshrine sacred relics of the Buddha, specifically a collarbone relic brought from India. Large ceremonial flags, or "tung", were erected to demarcate the potential location. The Chedi was then constructed on the exact spot where the wind carried the flag. This act gave rise to the name Doi Tung, meaning "Flag Peak" (doi = mountain, tung = flag).
Expansion in the Lanna Period
In the 13th century, King Mangrai (1239–1329), the founder of Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and the Lanna Kingdom, added a second Chedi at the site. This second structure also enshrined relics of the Buddha and marked the growing spiritual significance of Doi Tung. Over time, Wat Phra That Doi Tung became one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Chiang Rai province.
It is believed that in 1434, lightning struck the Chedi, causing a crack in the stucco and revealing an Emerald Buddha statue hidden within. This statue, now housed in the Emerald Buddha Temple at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, is considered one of the most sacred and renowned Buddha images in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Decline and Revival
Decay Over the Centuries
Over the centuries, like many other sacred sites in Northern Thailand, Wat Phra That Doi Tung fell into disrepair. Early photographs taken more than 120 years ago show ruined temple structures and pagodas, reflecting the widespread deterioration of Buddhist sanctuaries across the region.
The revival of Wat Phra That Doi Tung is closely linked to Krooba Srivichai (1878–1939), a revered Buddhist monk known for spearheading the restoration of temples throughout Northern Thailand. Often called the “engineer-monk” and considered the patron saint of Lanna, Krooba Srivichai mobilised thousands of lay followers who contributed labour and funds as acts of merit.
Krooba Srivichai and the Restoration Movement
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| Krooba Srivichai |
His restoration efforts began with Wat Ban Pang, his birthplace in Lamphun, in 1904, and soon expanded across the region.
Restoration of Wat Phra That Doi Tung
A major restoration project at Wat Phra That Doi Tung took place between 1927 and 1931 under Krooba Srivichai's guidance. Key features of the restoration included:
- Encasement of the original Chedis with protective structures.
- Construction of an assembly hall housing a Buddha image.
The Chedi was later gilded in 1956, further enhancing its visual splendour and sanctity.
Today, Wat Phra That Doi Tung remains a vital pilgrimage site and a symbol of both spiritual and historical continuity in Northern Thailand.
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| Wat Phra That Doi Tung |