Wat Phat Luang

• Wat Phat Luang [ '' the golden lotus bud '' ] in Vientiane Laos is the Nation's symbol for its Buddhist religion and national identity. It is constructed on the site on a hill in the north west of Vientiane and on the site of a previous stupa of Khmer origin. Contruction of Wat Phat Luang commenced in 1566.
• Wat Phat Luang has been the subject of two attacks, first by the Haw armies from Yunnan and later the Siamese in 1828 when they sacked the city. Its present condition reflects the French Colonial Governments Ecole Francais d'Etreme Orient restoration in early 1900. Until then its summit remained destroyed after Haw armies destroyed it looking for gold.
• The central Stupa stands on a traditional Mandala mount around which are diminishing terraces each accessed by stairways.
• The foundations are a combination of Khmer, Lao and Ceylonese influences. The surrounding gallery was added in the 19C. The first terrece is 69 meters square [ 226 feet ] and has a roofed temple for sacrifice on the centre of each wing. The second terrace is 48 square meters [ 158 feet ] and is enclosed with lotus leaves.
• The 33 smaller stupas seen on the second level are symbols of each of the 30 Buddhist '' perfections ''. Originally each of these smaller stupas guarded shrines of pure gold.  These terraces are a procession path symbolising the path or way to enlightment. 
• The third terrece is accessed through semi circular prayer gates and thereon is the crown of the Shrine, like a lotus bud framed by its leaves. The Lotus form of the Stupa reaching into the sky again is another symbol, this time the symbol of emerging from the bottom of darkness, dirt and decay to light and enlightment, just as with the lotus flower growing in the mud beneath the water level emerging up to the sun and light.
• This Lotus theme is common in Buddhist architecture and art.