The pattern of architectural style of Vihara of Tai Yuan

Abstract

This article is a part of the research “Vihara of Tai ethnic groups in Lan Na” that the Department of Cultural Promotion, The Ministry of culture was supported the budget in 2020. The aim of this research is to analyze the pattern of architectural styles of Vihara of Tai Yuan. The researcher study by ten of Tai Yuan Vihara in Chiang Mai Province Lamphun Province and Lampang Province. The oldest Tai Yuan Vihara was built in late 15th century. Refers to the research, this study divided by the plan; Vihara enclosed by a wall, Vihara without a wall and Chetiya Vihara or Vihara with a chedi on the top. Vihara enclosed by a wall divided into 5 styles as following 1) Vihara has Yo-Ket, the typical style of Vihara in Lan Na. The plan of Vihara has Yo-Ket in two parts at the front and one part at the back. (Yo-Ket decreases the right angle of the square plan and makes different small right angles) 2) Vihara has the room next to the Buddha image which can be found in Sukhothai period. 3) Vihara that has the Mondop which can be found in Sukhothai period. 4) Vihara that built on a rectangular plan was popular in the period of Kruba Chao Srivijaya. 5) Vihara with Tri Muk or three porches was popular build in the central Thailand in the reign of King Rama III and was popular build in Lan Na later. About Chetiya Vihara is only found at Wat Jed Yod in Lan Na period. This unique architectural plan was similar to Bodhi Gaya in Pagan. Structure of the roof of Vihara has several styles as single tiered roof and multi-tiered roofs. However, Vihara in Lan Na that were built before 20th century, the structure of the roof especially the tiered roof was depending on the floor plan with Yo-Ket. Later in the period of Kruba Chao Srivijaya, the multi-tiered roofs was popular built in the rectangular floor plan.