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Wat Si Muang
Wat Si Muang
Address: cnr of Th Setthathirat, Th Samsenthai & Th Tha Deua, Wat
Phia Wat
Keyword architectural feature, monument, religious/spiritual
The most frequently used grounds in Vientiane are those of Wat Si
Muang. The grounds are the site of the lák meuang (city
pillar/phallus), which is considered the home of the guardian spirit
of Vientiane. The sǐm (destroyed in 1828 and rebuilt in 1915) was
constructed around the lák meuang , which now forms the centre of
the altar. The pillar itself is believed to date from the Khmer
period, indicating the site has been used for religious purposes for
more than 1000 years.
Today it is wrapped in sacred cloth, and in front of it is a carved
wooden stele with a seated Buddha in relief. Several other Buddha
images surround the pillar, including one partially damaged image
that sits on a cushion. This rather melted-looking seated stone
Buddha survived the 1828 inferno and locals believe it has the power
to grant wishes or answer troubling questions. The practice is to
lift it off the pillow three times while mentally phrasing a
question or request. If your request is granted, then you are
supposed to return later with an offering of bananas, green
coconuts, flowers, incense and candles (usually two of each). This
is why so many platters of fruit, flowers and incense sit around the
sǐm . Behind the sǐm is a crumbling laterite jęhdii (stupa), almost
certainly of Khmer origin. Devotees deposit broken deity images and
pottery around the stupa's base so the spirits of the stupa will
'heal' the bad luck created by the breaking of these items. In front
of the sǐm is a little public park with a statue of King Sisavang
Vong (1904-59).
Other attractions in Vientiane: Lao National Museum | Papaya Spa | Patuxai | Pha That Luang | That Dam | Wat Si Muang | Wat Si Saket | Wat Sok Pa Luang | Xieng Khuan
Browse Vientiane Guides:
Vientiane Overview | When To Go | Itineraries in Vientiane | Sights in Vientiane | Where to sleep | Where to eat | Money & Cost | Getting There & Around | Shopping | Entertainment | Photos | History |
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