Religious, Spiritual sights in Luang Prabang Province
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A
Wat Pa Huak
The decaying sǐm at Wat Pa Huak - on the lower northern slope of Phu Si, near the Royal Palace Museum - has a splendid carved wood and mosaic façade showing Buddha riding Airavata, the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology (in which he is usually depicted as Lord Indra's mount). The gilded and carved front doors are often locked, but during the day there's usually an attendant nearby who will open the doors for a tip of a couple of hundred kip.
Inside, the original 19th-century murals have excellent colour, considering the lack of any restoration. The murals show historic scenes along the Mekong River, including visits by Chinese diplomats and warriors arriving by…
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B
Wat Manolom
Although its outer appearance isn’t very impressive, Wat Manolom stands just outside the barely visible city walls and occupies possibly the oldest temple site in Luang Prabang. City annals say it was founded in 1375 on the site of a smaller temple established by King Fa Ngum. The decaying sǐm held the Pha Bang from 1502 to 1513 and still contains a sitting bronze Buddha cast in 1372. This image is about 6m high and weighs an estimated two tonnes – some parts of the bronze are 15mm thick. An important city talisman, the image would probably be moved to another temple if anyone could figure out how!
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C
Wat That Luang
Legend has it that Wat That Luang was originally established by Ashokan missionaries from India in the 3rd century BC. However, there is no evidence whatsoever to confirm this, and the current sǐm was built in 1818 under the reign of King Manthaturat. The ashes of King Sisavang Vong and his brother are interred inside the large central stupa, which was erected in 1910. A smaller thâat (stupa) in front of the sǐm dates back to 1820. Inside the huge sǐm are a few Luang Prabang Buddha images and other artefacts.
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D
Wat Aham
Between Wat Wisunarat and the Nam Khan stands Wat Aham, formerly the residence of the Sangkharat (Supreme Patriarch of Lao Buddhism). Two large banyan trees grace the grounds, which are semideserted except for the occasional devotee who comes to make offerings to the town’s most important spirit shrine at the base of the trees.
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