English
French
Spanish
ItalianWat Si Muang
Wat Si Muang is a temple located in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, with a rich history and ancient Buddhist architecture. Renowned for its central pillar, which holds great significance as the city's spiritual heart, Wat Si Muang stands as the most sacred temple in Vientiane. Locals gather at this temple to seek peace, blessings, and tranquility, drawn by its profound spiritual importance and serene atmosphere.
Wat Si Muang (Cre: Dulichsvietnam)
Wat Si Muang was constructed in 1563 during the reign of King Setthathirath. According to local legend, when Vientiane was being built, the king chose this site to construct a sacred pillar to confirm the country's sovereignty.
However, the workers when digger the pillar hole discovered an underground water source, leading to an overwhelm of water flowing out. To calm the enraged spirits and stop the water, Si Muang, a young pregnant lady, offered to sacrifice herself by plunging her body into the hole.
Miraculously, one hundred days later, the hole filled up, and a sacred pillar emerged from the ground. The temple was named Wat Si Muang to remember Si Muang's brave sacrifice, and she was known as a guardian spirit of the city. The temple is today referred to as Vientiane's "mother temple."
Depiction of Si Muang next to Buddha image, Wat Si Muang (Cre: Best Price Travel)
Wat Si Muang is also well-known for another myth, about a mysterious pair of storks that live on a rock behind the back hall. These storks have been there for a while, but it's unclear where they came from. While some people think the storks were sent by Buddha to watch over the temple, others think they carry Si Muang's spirit. The storks are said to only show up in the country where there is harmony among the populace, peace, and fertility of the land.
Covering more than 2 hectares, Wat Si Muang attracts many domestic and foreign tourists each year, drawn by its impressive architecture and spiritual importance.
The temple complex consists of a main Buddhist temple and an area dedicated to worshipping Mother Si Muang. The grounds feature numerous Buddha statues, with the most notable being the Shakyamuni Buddha statue, placed under a Bodhi tree. Additionally, there are six standing statues and one lying statue representing the sacred protection of Mother Si Muang to the Lao people.
Inside of Wat Si Muang (Cre: Vietair)
The main temple structure includes two main halls: the front hall, where monks perform the Baci ceremony of tying threads to visitors' wrists to bless them, and the back hall, the primary worship area.
The center of the back hall is uniquely not a Buddha statue but rather a large stone column extending into the ground. It is known as the mother pillar, one of two guardian pillars protecting the city of Vientiane. The father pillar is located at That Luang pagoda, safeguarding the Buddha's relics.
The temple features intricate and diligent decorations. At the main gate, visitors can see paintings and bas-reliefs depicting the legend of Mother Si Muang and Buddha. The temple is built on the ruins of an ancient Khmer temple, and it carries remnants such as a tower and entrance displaying typical Khmer architecture, visible behind the main structure. Despite its location in the bustling capital of Vientiane, the temple grounds still remain peaceful and serene, reflecting the sincere devotion of Buddhist followers.
The intricate architecture of Wat Si Muang (Cre: Best Price Travels)
Besides exploring the unique architectural features of the ancient Wat Si Muang, the temple is also a revered spiritual destination where many visitors come to pray for good luck.
One of the most intriguing experiences here is the wrist thread-tying ceremony, also known as the Baci ceremony, a national custom in Laos. The Baci ritual involves tying strings around a person’s wrist to secure good luck, which Laotians believe brings good fortune to their families and loved ones.
Baci ceremony in Wat Si Muang (Cre: Exo Travel)
During the ceremony at Wat Si Muang, a monk recites Buddhist scriptures and ties a white thread around your wrist, symbolizing purity and peace. People typically leave the thread on their wrist for three days before removing it and placing it in an important spot, such as their workplace, to ensure continued good luck and peace.
See more about the Baci ceremony: Traditional Baci ceremony in Laos
The best time to visit Wat Si Muang is during the cooler and drier months of November to February. This period offers more comfortable temperatures and less humidity, making it ideal for exploring the temple and its surroundings. Also, visiting during local festivals such as the Lao New Year (Pi Mai) in mid-April, or the That Luang Festival in November can provide a richer cultural experience, as the temple often plays a significant role in these festivals.
The Wat Si Muang temple is located at the intersection of Sethathirat and Samsenethai streets in the Sisattanak district, Vientiane Capital, Laos, in an area still traditionally called Simuong "village" by locals. There are a few options if you want to get to Wat Si Muang.
When visiting Wat Si Muang, the most important thing to remember is to dress respectfully and modestly. It is completely forbidden to wear attire that is too exposing or improper in this place of worship. It would be best if you also remembered to take off your hat or any head covering to symbolize respect.
You can also partake in the custom of tying a thread around your wrist in Wat Si Muang to bring good luck. But once inside the temple, it's essential to follow the monk's instructions and not touch or do anything without permission.
It is important to be mindful of your actions and behave courteously and peacefully when you are at this sacred site. Then, you will be able to completely understand Wat Si Muang's spiritual significance and cultural legacy.
Things to note when visiting Wat Si Muang (Cre: Vietair)
In conclusion, Wat Si Muang is an enchanting destination for anyone wanting to visit Vientiane, Laos. Its spiritual significance and cultural legacy make it a must-visit for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich history and traditions of Laos. If you want to visit this fascinating temple and the city of Vientiane, contact Asia King Travel and we will provide the best itinerary and services for you, to ensure your journey is truly unforgettable.
Maybe you’ll like: Laos Tours 7 days
