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Not as grandiose as Angkor Wat, yet Wat Phou in Pakse, Laos exudes tranquility, serenity, and simplicity.
Exploring Laos: Rediscovering the Glory of Wat Phou
Located in Pakse, Champasak province, Wat Phou borders Thailand and Cambodia. This ancient temple dates back to the 5th century and once served as a Hindu center, devoted to Lord Shiva.
Often referred to as the 'Mountain Temple,' Wat Phou rests at the base of Phou Kao (Elephant Mountain). Laotian mythology and history identify it as the temple of Badhecvara, constructed between the 5th and 7th centuries. It also features Crethapura, the first capital of the Champasak kingdom.
With the rise of Buddhism as the state religion in the Kingdom of a Million Elephants, Wat Phou underwent renovations and became a Buddhist temple.
Today, the Wat Phou festival is the Buddhist festival of the entire southern region of Laos, one of the largest festivals in Laos, held continuously for 3 days on the 3rd lunar month full moon.
Wat Phou has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2001.
Traveling to Laos, I visited Wat Phou on a sunny day. From Pakse, I hired a tuk-tuk to take me to this historically significant temple. Wat Phou is about 40km from Pakse, taking about 1 hour.
On the way to Wat Phou, you will pass through many peaceful villages under cool shade trees, through lush green rice fields similar to the rural scenery of Vietnam.
At the main entrance of Wat Phou, there are over 100 Linga pillars leading the way to the main sanctuary. At the end of the path lie two main temples, facing east, symmetrically opposite each other.
Although the fronts of the two temples have collapsed, you can still recognize the carved reliefs of Indian deities.
The stone steps leading to the two main temples are surrounded by rows of lush green trees, making me feel very comfortable and relaxed in the scorching heat of April.
Around the temple, there are many flowers and typical Laotian offerings for sale. I bought some beautifully arranged flowers to place on the Buddha statues, silently praying and expressing my gratitude.
I spent half a day sitting quietly, admiring the abandoned stone pillars on the ground for a long time, looking at each remaining window, casting my gaze far to see the beautiful scenery around Wat Phou spread out.
During the golden ages, Wat Phou may have been bustling with grand ceremonies, but now the temple lies quietly and silently under the shade of trees, with a very peaceful and serene atmosphere. I also silently admire those who built this temple.
Centuries ago, with primitive tools and no advanced construction technology like today, it took so much effort, sweat, and even bloodshed to quarry, transport, and carve large stone blocks to create a Wat Phou like today.
Thousands of years have passed, despite the harsh climate in southern Laos and the ravages of time, Wat Phou remains an attractive destination due to its spiritual significance and its majestic yet simple beauty.
This place remains an important religious architectural complex, preserving the values of Laos' history and culture. And of course, Wat Phou is a must-visit when you have the opportunity to visit Pakse on your Laos travel journey.
According to Duong Qua Ha/Youth
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourDecember 21, 2017
