Wat Sisaket

History

The temple was built in the Siamese style of Buddhist architecture, which is different from the traditional Lao style. It has a five-tiered roof and a terrace, which was designed to provide safety during the time when the Siamese army expelled the people of Vientiane after the rebellion of Anouvong.

In Lao tradition, every man who reaches adulthood must attend a training course at the temple. This is done as a way to show respect and gratitude to their parents and ancestors. They go to the temple to study Buddhism and learn about the teachings of the Buddha.

This is One of the Most Important Temples in Vientiane

The Temple With The Most Buddha Statues

The temple boasts an incredibly intricate architectural design, with the most distinctive feature being its five-tiered roof. Surrounding the temple are long corridors lined with small niches that house an estimated 300 statues made of tin, stone, and wood. Inside the main hall, there is a display of around 2,000 Buddha statues of various sizes and shapes, dating back to the 16th to 19th centuries.

To the west of the temple, many of the statues are damaged or missing limbs due to past wars. However, the central altar in the main hall contains several valuable and rare bronze statues that are gold-plated.

Visitors to Wat Si Saket in Laos cannot help but be awestruck by the numerous statues placed throughout the temple. The entrance to the temple is made up of simple wooden panels, but upon entering, visitors are greeted by layers upon layers of statues of all sizes.

However, what leaves the most impression on visitors are the damaged statues, some without heads, arms, or legs. Despite being destroyed and damaged multiple times in the past, Wat Si Saket remains a treasure trove of material and spiritual value. The temple houses a large museum that stores around 8,000 valuable books, and the inner walls of the main hall have thousands of small niches, each containing a Buddha statue, providing a sense of protection for those who come to pray. Additionally, there is a 400-year-old library that holds many palm-leaf manuscripts written by hand about Buddhist teachings.

Wat Sisaket is the Temple with the Most Buddha Statues in Laos

The Story Behind The Headless Statues

The head of the Buddha statue is considered the most important part and the most accurate measure of craftsmanship for Buddhist sculptors and carvers. Additionally, in Buddhism, the head is considered the most sacred and significant part of the statue. Therefore, during the invasions of Laos, the enemy not only destroyed the temples but also attacked the spirituality of the people by decapitating the statues, melting them down into pieces, and taking them away.

To remind future generations of the destruction and inhumanity of war, as well as the painful memories of the nation's history, the Lao people decided to keep all the damaged statues, gather them together, and display them. This is also why Wat Si Saket, with its display of headless and sacred statues, has become one of the most famous spiritual tourist destinations in the capital city of Vientiane.

By keeping and displaying these damaged statues, the Lao people have shown their determination to preserve their cultural heritage and to promote peace. The temple serves as a reminder of the atrocities of war and the importance of preserving cultural and spiritual treasures.

The Damaged Buddha Statues Have Been Gathered and Kept in Wat Sisaket

Things To Note When Visiting Wat Si Saket: 

• Choose appropriate clothing. As Buddhism always emphasizes respect and solemnity, you should dress politely, wear long clothes, avoid tank tops or shorts.
• Remember to leave your shoes outside before entering the temple.

In short, 

Wat Sisaket is a fascinating destination that should not be missed on any trip to Laos. Its unique architecture, intricate details, and historical significance make it a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the country's cultural heritage. If you're planning a trip to Laos, be sure to check out BestPrice Travel website for more tips and travel guides. Our team of experts can also help you plan the perfect itinerary and provide you with the best travel solutions for your needs. Don't hesitate to contact us and let us help you create an unforgettable journey to this beautiful country.