City Pillar Shrines of Thailand

City Pillar, or lak muang, is a religious pillar that is usually located at or near the center of the city or town square in Thailand. It can be found in most Thai cities, which were populated by the Tai communities (the community from which the name Thai is somewhat derived). The city pillar is regarded as the abode of the guardian spirit of the city. I have also described the City Pillar Shrine of Bangkok.

There could be several types of city pillars. There are city pillars surrounded by four post, a design that can be seen in Yunnan, China. In Lampang, one can find city pillars in group of three, standing 2.5 to 4 meters tall. Then there are city pillars in the from of linga, or phallus symbol, an influence from the Khmers, who were practising Hindus worshipping Shiva. In Nan, the City Pillar has faces carved on it, and is known as Mukhalinga.

Traditionally, the City Pillar is of the same height as the founder of the city. Its diameter is about 5, 7 or 9 times the size of his fist.

Located close to the City Pillar is the ruler's palace, the principal wat of the city, or a reservoir. The main road that passes through the city usually bisects the town, often passing close to the City Pillar.