tiabunna's photos with the keyword: temple

The Nan Tien Temple was built by the Mahayana Buddhist organisation known as Fo Guang Shan and was completed in 1995. It is certainly Australia's largest Buddhist temple and, I understand, probably the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. In the PiP, one of the gate guardians.

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.

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.

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!

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.

A stitched panorama, best viewed large. The main building (central to this image) was built in 1560 and the kings of Luang Prabang were crowned there until 1975. The name of the Wat means "Monastery of the Golden City". A view of the main entry is in the note.

This Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang is one of a great many. It also has a traditional Laotian style fence. HFF. Best viewed on black (click on image).