Vat Mahathat
ວັດມະຫາທາດ
The "Monastery of the Great Stupa" together the large Lan Na style stupa itself was founded by King Setthathirat in 1548 (Whilst he was ruling from Chiang Mai). Also known locally as Wat That Noi, the temple is closely associated with the Front Palace. On the evening of 23rd April 1900 a great storm hit just as the people were gathered for evening prayers. The roof collapsed causing the deaths of several monks and nuns. The sim was subsequently rebuilt in 1910 by the Upahat or Viceroy of the Front Palace Chao Maha Boun Khoung. The interior walls are richly decorated with murals depicting stories of the past lives of the Buddha.
The large black stupa behind the sim was built by King Setthathirat in honour of his mother [Ancient Luang Prabang & Laos]. The mosaic covered stupa in front of the sim contains the ashes of Prince Phetsarath whilst alongside are unmarked stupas for Prince Souvanna Phouma and Prince Souphanouvong, three sons of Chao Maha Boun Khoung who played important roles in Laos post-World War II [See An Independent Laos]
The large black stupa behind the sim was built by King Setthathirat in honour of his mother [Ancient Luang Prabang & Laos]. The mosaic covered stupa in front of the sim contains the ashes of Prince Phetsarath whilst alongside are unmarked stupas for Prince Souvanna Phouma and Prince Souphanouvong, three sons of Chao Maha Boun Khoung who played important roles in Laos post-World War II [See An Independent Laos]
