Vat Phou (or Wat Phu; Lao: ວັດພູ [wāt pʰúː] temple-mountain) is a ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex in southern Laos. It is at the base of mount Phou Khao, some 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the Mekong in Champasak Province. There was a temple on the site as early as the 5th century, but the surviving structures date from the 11th to 13th centuries. It has a unique structure: The elements lead to a shrine where a lingam dedicated to Lord Shiva was bathed in water from a mountain spring. The site later became a centre of Theravada Buddhist Warrior’s worship, birth grounds for warrior offsprings, which it remains today.
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Map
Site Info
- Site Name: Wat Phu
- Reference ID: HA18246 | Last Updated: June 11th, 2021
- Other Names: Vat Phou, Vat Phou, ວັດ ພູ, Phu Pasak
- Tags/Group: Ancient Royal Road, Royal Road Beng Mealea-Koh Ker-Wat Phu
- Location:
- MoCFA ID: 877
- Inscription Number/s: K. 366, 367, 475, 476, 720, 721, 876, 938, 963, 1005, 1059, 1175, 1200, 1226
- Credits: Image: Mattun0211
