Temple Angel

Thevada, Ubosot, Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai

We have just returned from a long weekend in the north where I introduced you to many things from my former life there. You got to experience the hotel I am working with, to visit my small piece of land outside the city and to try the food and touch the customs and culture that was very close to me for many years. It was great to share that with you and thanks for being so supportive of my life choices and for understanding them so well.  We spent a lot of time exploring the many temples in the city, some were right at the center of the old town while others were out of ways: for example the mountain top temple of Doi Suthep and the small but very beautiful village temple of Wat Ton Kwien. We shared some nice moments in each of them.

When I go back to these places I always find something new to discover no matter how many times I have visited them before and this time it was this stucco angel at the temple of Wat Phra Singh which caught my eye. This angel, which is called 'Thevada' in Thai is very beautifully crafted with a gentle face and hands held up in deep respect to all who enter. There is an elegant parasol over the angel's head and the contrast of the white stucco and the deep red of the wooden beams that enclose the space is also very nice. We were busy paying attention to the naga snakes on the temple's balustrade but I am glad we noticed this angel as well and took a moment to rest in front of it and to take some photos there. Thai people believe that each of us has a Thevada angel protecting us and keeping us from harm's way.  I hope we have one as well watching over us: taking pity for our past sad hearts and guiding us to a happier and more peaceful future.