5th Century Wat Phou Hindu Temple Complex in Laos
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Laos to attend ASEAN Summit. His visit led to curiosity about searching & knowing Laos and also finding out the existence of Hindu temple there.
I was surprised to find a whole complex of ancient Hindu temple located on the side of a symbolic sacred mountainside called Phou Khao overlooking an ancient city. This temple complex is known as UNESCO world heritage temples of Wat Phou.
Wat Phou is a ruined khmer Hindu temple compex in southern part of Laos, almost 10 km from a quaint town Champasak positioned directly on the banks of the Mekong river. The complex dates back to 5th and 6th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple has a unique structure, in which the elements lead to a shrine. In the shrine a lingam dedicated to Lord Shiva was bathed in water from a mountain spring. This site later became a centre of Theravada Buddhism.
Wat Phou was originally associated with the city of Shrestapura which lay on the bank of Mekong river directly east of Lingaparvata Mountain now known as Phou Khao .
The most impressive part of this temple complex is its carvings, cut deep into the stone. They are breathtaking and true masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship.
This enchanting Wat Phou Hindu Temple Complex demonstrates pervasive and deep influence of Indian religion, art & culture in most of the South East Asian countries.
Wat Phou is a tourist destination where it is still possible to stay in silence and behold and enjoy ancient wonder of peace and tranquility.
Around 70% Laotians are Theravada Buddhist and hence Buddhism has been one of the most important social forces in Laos and also a dominant influence in Laos culture.
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| Courtesy: worldheritage.routes.travel |
Wat Phou is a ruined khmer Hindu temple compex in southern part of Laos, almost 10 km from a quaint town Champasak positioned directly on the banks of the Mekong river. The complex dates back to 5th and 6th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple has a unique structure, in which the elements lead to a shrine. In the shrine a lingam dedicated to Lord Shiva was bathed in water from a mountain spring. This site later became a centre of Theravada Buddhism.
| Courtesy: trekity.com |
Wat Phou was originally associated with the city of Shrestapura which lay on the bank of Mekong river directly east of Lingaparvata Mountain now known as Phou Khao .
The most impressive part of this temple complex is its carvings, cut deep into the stone. They are breathtaking and true masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship.
| Courtesy:iwandered.net |
This enchanting Wat Phou Hindu Temple Complex demonstrates pervasive and deep influence of Indian religion, art & culture in most of the South East Asian countries.
| Courtesy:alamy.com |
Wat Phou is a tourist destination where it is still possible to stay in silence and behold and enjoy ancient wonder of peace and tranquility.
Around 70% Laotians are Theravada Buddhist and hence Buddhism has been one of the most important social forces in Laos and also a dominant influence in Laos culture.
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