Wat Si Saket description and photos - Laos: Vientiane (Topic)

Wat Si Saket temple description and photos - Laos: Vientiane. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Wat Si Saket.

Photo and description

Wat Sisaket is a Buddhist shrine in Vientiane, located at the intersection of Lan Hang and Setthatilat streets. It was built in 1818-1824 by order of King Chao Anu, who was an adherent of the Siamese style in architecture. This is probably what helped the temple survive during the attack on Laos by the Siamese in 1827, who ruthlessly suppressed the Chao Anu uprising and destroyed many temples and monasteries. Amazed to find a sanctuary in a foreign land that reminded them of their homeland, the Siamese used this complex as their headquarters and residence.

Perhaps this is the oldest temple in Vientiane. The French colonial government allocated funds for the reconstruction of this temple in 1924 and 1930.

Wat Sisaket is surrounded by a wall which is not typical for Thai sacred buildings. Niches were made in it, in which more than 2 thousand images of Buddhas made of ceramics and silver are installed. Below you can see the shelves, which also contain various small figures of Buddhas.

The Wat Sisaket temple complex consists of several well-preserved buildings. On its territory there is a library, built in the Burmese style, where many valuable manuscripts are kept, brought there during the destruction of the city by the Siamese. The main pagoda is richly decorated with frescoes considered to be the oldest in Vientiane. In its center there is a sculpture depicting a Buddha with a snake, which covers him with her hood. The temple is surrounded by kuti - cells for monks and novices, small stupas built by the rich in honor of their deceased relatives. There is also a monastery, where there is a large collection of Buddha statues.

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Topic: Wat Si Saket description and photos - Laos: Vientiane.