Laos: Vientiane - a National Monument

Close-by the Patuxai is Pha That Luang, the most important national monument in Laos and is seen as both a symbol of Lao Buddhism  and Lao sovereignty.  The official title is 'Phra Chedi Lokajulamani, or 'World-Precious Sacred Stupa' in English.

The Stupa was established in 1566 by King Setthathirat and was built on the ruins of a 13th century Khmer Temple. Legend has it that this Khmer Temple was built on a 3rd century BC 'Thaat' or stupa enclosing a fragment of the Buddha's breastbone.

During the 18th century, repeated assaults by Burmese and Siamese armies damaged the Stupa. Then in 1828 a Siamese invasion sacked and destroyed Vientiane and Pha That Luang was left in ruins. Rediscovered by the French in 1900, they restored the Stupa. However, the results were so badly done, that a further restoration took place between 1931 and 1935, based upon the original lotus-bud design.

 

The main gate into the large outer courtyard

This outer courtyard was, until recently a road......

 

In front of the main entrance to the Stupa is this statue

to King Setthathirat.

 

Close-up of the Statue

 

These seem a little out of place for such an important monument.....

Thai Airways sponsored seating in the outer courtyard.

  

The Pha That Luang

 

One of the four shrines at the base of the Stupa

 

Around the confines of the Stupa is this 'cloister'