Laos

This is an ancient reservoir ("baray") on the main axis of the Wat Phu temple complex in southern Laos (more information with previous image, via PiP at right). Originally there were more reservoirs, but this is the only one now permanently holding water. See also PiP at left.

The two major buildings at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wat Phu temple complex in Laos are known as the North and South Palaces and sit on either side of the entry causeway. I say "known as" because nobody really knows their original purpose. They were constructed in about the 10th century and very little restoration work has been carried out. More images of some associated details in the PiPs and below.

From the North and South Palaces (see previous image), the causeway path leads up the mountainside, climbing through the terraces in the background. Images taken on the way (a good excuse for a "breather") are in the PiPs and below.

It seems the word "Naga" is Sanscrit for serpent and probably arrived in south-east Asia with the Hindu religion brought in by Indian merchants way back about the 10th century (or earlier). Apparently the Buddha was protected by a seven-headed serpent during a violent rainstorm, so somehow the Sanscrit term and seven-headed serpent merged. Whatever the background, to this day Naga images are to be seen acting as benign guardians at Buddhist temples throughout Laos. This ancient Naga, at Wat Phu, welcomes visitors following the causeway path and pleasingly, as can be seen, has had some restoration work. It also seems to gather an awful lot of incense! Looks good on black and behind is my fence for this week. HFF, best wishes for the weekend and stay safe, everyone.

The Wat Phu Sanctuary was originally built as a Hindu temple, somewhere about the 10th century. With the demise of the Khmer empire, it came under Lao and Buddhist conrol about the 14th century. It has since been a Theravada Buddhist temple and it's fair to say they have slipped somewhat on maintenance! See also Pip 1. Above the entrances are ornamental lintels, the one in PiP 2 showing the Hindu god Indra riding the three-headed elephant Airavata. Laos was known as the land of the elephants and Airavata became the official symbol of the Lao monarchy. A note for anyone visiting Wat Phu, just be aware that it's a fair climb from the flat to the top and hot going!

The four Buddhas in the temple at Wat Phu, through clouds of incense smoke. Somewhere I saw these described, rather unkindly, as more like aliens than the usual Buddhas: I guess I'd have to agree, though they attract the faithful regardless. In the Pips are other Buddhas, one located further down the path to the temple, the other outside in the top Sanctuary area. I may be wrong, but to me both the "outside" Buddhas looked to be much older in style than the others inside.

Taken from the top terrace of Wat Phu, adjacent to the current Buddhist temple. The central causeway leads off into the distance toward where the now-gone city of Shrestapura stood near the Mekong River in about the 5th century. An earlier temple was built here dedicated to Shiva because of the spring (considered sacred) coming from the cliffs behind and the natural lingam-shaped outcrop (obscured by clouds) on the summit. That earlier temple was replaced with the current structures in about the 10th century when the Khmer empire took over the area. In the PiPs (also below): (1) I was pleased to find the spring which was part of the original inspiration for all the developments, still coming from the hillside. (2) A Khmer motif on the cliff face near the spring. (3) I won't claim to be expert on Hindu sculpture and symbolism, but I think this is a Lingam signifying the god Shiva , while (4) this large carved and abandoned rock appears to be a Yoni signifying the goddess Shakti.