Wat Phu (or Vat Phu) which means "temple on the mountain" in Lao language and it is one of the oldest archaeological site in Laos, located in Champassak province along the Mekong River in the southern most part of the country. It is 670km from the capital Vientiane and 50km from Pakse.
The area of Wat Phu encompases the islands of Siphandone, where there's 4,000 islands on the Mekong River. In Lao language, "si phan" means 4,000 and "done" means island. The water in this part of Laos is very clear and fresh.
Champassak is one of ten districts in Champassak province. The district has much evidence of past civilisation, including sandstone palaces, buddhas and an ancient town that is part of the rich history of Laos. The Mekong River can be compared with an ocean of wealth, with nine mountains surrounding this historic town of Champassak which is filled with an eternal graceful and warm nature.
Linkhaparavata Mountain
Champassak, the southern city was the place where the indigenous Lao, Mon-Khmer and Lua (or Lawa) people lived. Hinduism was a major influence in the third century. Archaeological sites are focused in the south east, with this centre a Champhukaow (or Summit Mountain) stretching on the east and west of the mighty Mekong River.
On top of Champhukaow were stones which were similar to the hairstyle shape which were worn by Lao women who the Hindus worshiped. Lao people like to call this mountain "phu nom" meaning "breast on the mountain" because the mountain also looks like a womens breast. Siva Linga is the emblem of the Hindu's most respected god, called in sanscript "Linkhaparavata" (or monk). Sivatheps Linkha Mountain is 1,400 metres high, sandstone palaces were built at its foot for worship and religious activities.
Wat Phu Sandstone Palaces
Before walking up the sandstone palace, one can notice large tanks called "sa taow" and "sa nang". In Lao language, "sa taow" means a bathing tank for men and "sa nang" is for women. These were to wash in by worshiping pilgrims. At the bottom of Wat Phu is the first step, and has two palaces done in sandstone. Features such as window frames were carved and were based on the event Siva tap. The eastern Palace is called the Mens Palace, the western one is the Womens Palace. The activities inside the two palaces is unclear at this stage. Before reaching the two palaces, one passes through a 280 metre long causeway. There are stonely columns between the Palaces which give the form of a linear blooming lotus, this is the emblem of the Linkha temple.
Along the western pathway at the back of the womens temple is a sandstone palace name the Cattle Pen. The Cattle Pen was used to keep the Royal or nantin cows as a means of regular conveyance of the Queen Paravati and King Pasiva.
On the second step of the pathway, one finds the carved statue of the guardian Phratavaraphan usually called Priyacomata by local people. The standing statue holds a hammer in his right hand, while the left holds the chest indicating respect for worshipers. This sandstone statue has been standing for hundreds of years. Although it is not compulsory, it is customary for visitors to make a small donation and kneel down to pray for good luck and success before climbing up the next set of steps.
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