VAT VISOUNNARATH
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His real name is Wat Maha Visunarath. Built in 1512 by order of King Visunarat, Vat Visoun is only the brick version of the original wooden vat, burnt by the Black Chinese Pavilions in 1887. Moreover, several statues of Buddha that it housed can now be found in the National Museum. It was rebuilt during the reign of Sakkarin Kamsuk at the end of the 19th century. It has a rather sober style to which a high ceiling gives a noble appearance. In the entrance, white marble decorates the floor, while the interior is covered with black marble, polished by time. The windows are similar to those seen in the temples of Angkor in Cambodia. The vat is home to some very beautiful religious works of art. Pi May ceremonies end here, in front of That Phathoum, the great stupa of the vat. Its popular name is That Mak Mo, which means "watermelon stupa", in reference to the shape of its dome. The spectacle of the Phou Nieu Nia Nieu (mythological ancestors of the Laotian people) closes the festivities to the sound of drums. Observe attentively the serene face of the Great Buddha inside the vihan (worship room). According to the legend, no artist had been able to give the right expression to this Buddha's face. Many tried but in vain, none seemed able to reproduce what he thought was beautiful and right. One day, while the craftsmen were taking a nap, a divine act was performed, and when they returned, the Buddha's face bore the expression we now know.
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