Hor Inthakhin houses the Inthakhin Pillar, the official city pillar of Chiang Mai since the reign of King Mengrai. It is located in the four-sided viharn within Wat Chedi Luang, at the area considered the city’s “navel.”

Legend and History of the City Pillar
According to the Suwannakam Daeng chronicle, Chiang Mai was originally inhabited by the Lawa people and plagued by evil spirits. Indra granted silver, gold, and crystal wells and sent two guardian giants (Khumphun) to carry the "Inthakhin" Pillar (Indra’s Nail Pillar) to the city center of Nopburi to protect against disasters and ensure prosperity. When the Lawa people broke their promise, the giants returned the pillar to heaven. Later, a ritual cast a replica pillar to continue the city’s destiny ceremony.

Original Location: The original Inthakhin Pillar was at Wat Sadue Mueang (now the Tilo Kraj Hall) and was later moved by King Kawila to Wat Chedi Luang in 1800 BE (2343 CE).

Structure: The current pillar in the viharn is a plaster pillar with colored glass, 1.30 meters high, covering the large underground log. Above the pillar is the Phra Phuttha Ramphueng (or Phra Kanthararas/Phra Chao Fon Saen Ha) Buddha image enshrined on a pedestal.

Inthakhin Festival (Kan Dok Offering)
The festival is held annually for 7 days and 7 nights to pay homage to the city pillar, pray for timely rain, and bless the community.

Festival Dates: From the 13th waning day of the 8th lunar month to the 4th waxing day of the 9th lunar month (late May to early June).

Key Rituals

Procession and Water Pouring of Phra Chao Fon Saen Ha (Phra Kanthararas):

Festival Opening (Day 1): The Phra Chao Fon Saen Ha Buddha image is carried on a palanquin around Chiang Mai. The public participates in water pouring along the route. The image is then placed in front of the viharn at Wat Chedi Luang for 7 days for worship and rain prayers.

Kan Dok Offering Ceremony:

Practice: Devotees prepare a Kan Dok (vessel with flowers, popped rice, incense, candles, and turmeric powder) to worship the Inthakhin Pillar. The temple arranges multiple offering trays.

Offerings: Worship is not limited to the pillar but includes other sacred guardians at Wat Chedi Luang:

• Inthakhin Pillar: Traditional offerings including flowers, 8 candles, 8 betel leaves, 7 food dishes.

• Two Guardian Giants (Khumphun): Specific offerings such as silver and gold candles, white and red umbrellas.

• Sacred Banyan Tree: Traditional offerings.

• Eight Elephants: Worship the elephants surrounding Chedi Luang.

City Destiny Renewal Ceremony:

Timing: Held after the Inthakhin Festival, usually early in the 9th lunar month (around June).

Purpose: To renew and enhance the city’s destiny, protecting it from disasters and decline.

Locations: Conducted in 10 key points around Chiang Mai, emphasizing strategic and sacred sites:

• City Center (Navel of the City): At the Three Kings Monument.

• Five City Gates: Tha Phae, Chiang Mai, Suan Dok, Chang Phuak, Suan Prung.

• Four Corners (Jang): Hua Lin, Sri Phum, Ka Tam, Ku Hueng.

• Monks: 108 monks are invited to chant blessings, representing 108 auspicious points in both Brahmanic and Buddhist traditions.

Private Car:

• Wat Chedi Luang is on Phra Pok Klao Road in the Old City. Follow signs around the main moat and turn onto Phra Pok Klao Road (one-way in some sections). Note: Parking is very limited and may fill up quickly during festivals.

Red Songthaew (Shared Pickup Truck):

• Popular transport in Chiang Mai. Tell the driver "Wat Chedi Luang." Fares start from 30–50 THB depending on distance and negotiation.

Taxi / Grab:

• The most convenient option. Set the destination as "Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan." Recommended for groups or travelers with luggage.

Rental Motorbike / Bicycle:

• If staying in the Old City, motorbikes or bicycles are convenient, as the temple is centrally located

• Dress respectfully.

• Women are traditionally not allowed inside the four-sided viharn where the pillar is enshrined.

• During the Inthakhin Festival, the viharn is open for worship until 24:00.

Admission Fee:

• No specific fee for Hor Inthakhin. Foreign tourists may pay a fee to enter the historical area of Wat Chedi Luang.

Opening Hours:

• Open daily, typically from 08:00 – 17:00. During the Inthakhin Festival, the viharn is open until 24:00.