Wat Sensoukarahm (Temple of the Patriarch), Luang Prabang
The Temple of the Patriarch (Wat Sensoukarahm) holds a significant place in the historical and architectural landscape of Luang Prabang. It was constructed during the reign of Chao Kingkitsarat, the first ruler of the independent kingdom of Luang Prabang, which is believed to have taken place between 1706-1713 or 1725.
The temple's origins and establishment are attributed to an individual named Tia Tiao, although it remains unclear whether this person was a member of the royal family, a nobleman, or a prominent figure within the Buddhist sangha.
The main structure of the temple is the sim, or assembly hall, which follows the architectural style classified as Luang Prabang Style II by UNESCO. It features interior columns that are taller than those on the periphery and includes a veranda in front of the main hall. However, the sim exhibits a stronger Thai influence compared to most temples in Luang Prabang. Its distinctive rooftop adorned with bargeboards, eave finials, and vibrant orange/yellow terracotta roof tiles bears resemblance to the architectural styles found in Thailand, particularly in the former Lanna kingdom to the north.
In addition to the sim, the Temple of the Patriarch encompasses more than a dozen structures within its monastery complex. These structures include living quarters for monks, an open pavilion located north of the sim, small Buddha chapels, a drum tower, several stupas, and even a boat shelter. Situated alongside Sakkarine Road, the main east-west road in central Luang Prabang, the temple attracts numerous tourists due to its central location and accessibility.
While the sim is often kept closed, its exterior is visually striking with bright red paint embellished with intricate gold stenciling. The stenciled designs feature Buddhist deities standing on the backs of horses and lions while holding lotus blossoms, adding a sense of grandeur to the temple's facade. The windows of the sim are adorned with Khmer-style wooden balustrades and wooden shutters, intricately stenciled with images of standing deities amidst foliate garlands. This motif is further expressed in three-dimensional relief on the doors of the sim, showcasing the attention to detail and artistic craftsmanship.
The temple's origins and establishment are attributed to an individual named Tia Tiao, although it remains unclear whether this person was a member of the royal family, a nobleman, or a prominent figure within the Buddhist sangha.
The main structure of the temple is the sim, or assembly hall, which follows the architectural style classified as Luang Prabang Style II by UNESCO. It features interior columns that are taller than those on the periphery and includes a veranda in front of the main hall. However, the sim exhibits a stronger Thai influence compared to most temples in Luang Prabang. Its distinctive rooftop adorned with bargeboards, eave finials, and vibrant orange/yellow terracotta roof tiles bears resemblance to the architectural styles found in Thailand, particularly in the former Lanna kingdom to the north.
In addition to the sim, the Temple of the Patriarch encompasses more than a dozen structures within its monastery complex. These structures include living quarters for monks, an open pavilion located north of the sim, small Buddha chapels, a drum tower, several stupas, and even a boat shelter. Situated alongside Sakkarine Road, the main east-west road in central Luang Prabang, the temple attracts numerous tourists due to its central location and accessibility.
While the sim is often kept closed, its exterior is visually striking with bright red paint embellished with intricate gold stenciling. The stenciled designs feature Buddhist deities standing on the backs of horses and lions while holding lotus blossoms, adding a sense of grandeur to the temple's facade. The windows of the sim are adorned with Khmer-style wooden balustrades and wooden shutters, intricately stenciled with images of standing deities amidst foliate garlands. This motif is further expressed in three-dimensional relief on the doors of the sim, showcasing the attention to detail and artistic craftsmanship.
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Wat Sensoukarahm (Temple of the Patriarch) on Map
Sight Name: Wat Sensoukarahm (Temple of the Patriarch)
Sight Location: Luang Prabang, Laos (See walking tours in Luang Prabang)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Luang Prabang, Laos (See walking tours in Luang Prabang)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Luang Prabang, Laos
Create Your Own Walk in Luang Prabang
Creating your own self-guided walk in Luang Prabang is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Luang Prabang Introduction Walking Tour
Initially founded as a city-state in the 8th century AD, Luang Prabang served as a religious center spreading Buddhism introduced to the region by Sri Lankan missionaries. Centuries on, their legacy is still alive in the abundance of Buddhist temples, known as Wats. Among them are the magnificent gilded 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong, the former residence of the Laotian chief Buddhist; the Wat Mai... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles