Vat Nong Inscription
The main stupa at the front of Vat Nong is a well known sight because it protrudes onto the modern street. At its base is a small shrine within which is set a stone stele which describes the founding of this stupa.
The Vat Nong Inscription near the base of the main stupa
|
The stone stele follows a traditional format.
At the top is a circular "horoscope diagram" which together with surrounding text indicates the date of the founding according to the Chula Sakarat calendar (Year 1 starts 21st March 638 C.E.). The text below describes the benefactors who sponsored the erecting of the stupa and the reasons for this generosity. The text finishes with a desire for blessings and good fortune. This particular inscription was recorded and translated into French c.1888 by Auguste Pavie, the first French consul appointed to Luang Prabang. The date indicated by the stele's calendar is in 1884 so it was quite new when Pavie made his records. Today the top right corner is missing and the lower part of the inscription is illegible. |
Copy of the Vat Nong inscription made by Auguste Pavie c.1888
|
Translation of Vat Nong Inscription
In 1246 of the Lesser Era, the cyclical year Hap San (of the Monkey), on the full moon of the 8th month (June-July), the cyclical day Peuk Sanga (the day of the Horse), the dedication of this stupa took place on Monday at noon. This was (from the beginning of the Lesser Era, Chulla Sakarat) the 15414th lunar month, 526 parts of the avaman, the 445198th lunar day.
The religion of the Buddha had already existed for 2556 years. The venerable Maha Somdet Sangharaja, at that time fulfilling the role of abbot of Wat Si Khoun, collected a relic of the Buddha in order to find a suitable place for it. The prince, Phaya Rajabalat, upon learning of this, was seized with great devotion; consequently, he took his wife and children, as well as his illustrious ancestors, to request this relic of Gotama from the Maharaja Khru, prince of an ancient family; in agreement with the monks of Wat Nong, he had a stupa built which shall be a monument to the religion of Gotama, until the advent of that of Sri Ariya Maitreya, which shall be the true and correct one. I ask that all beings may return from hell and be reunited in the religion of Maitreya, attaining the state of arahants. The above is translated from Pavie's French translation published in Mission Pavie Indo-Chine 1879-1895 études diverses Vol II, Section XIV [1898].
|