Laos: Dok so faa (metal roof decoration) representing a mythical Mount Meru, Wat Nong Sikhounmuang (Sikhunmuang), Luang Prabang

Dok so faa are elaborate temple roof decorations that usually represent the universe and Mount Meru.

Mount Meru (Sanskrit: मेरु), also called Sumeru i.e. the 'Excellent Meru' and Mahameru i.e. 'Great Meru' (Japanese: 須弥山 Shumi-sen), is a sacred mountain in Hindu, Jain as well as Buddhist cosmology and is considered to be the center of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes. It is also the abode of Lord Brahma and the Demi-Gods (Dev).

Wat Nong Sikhounmuang (Sikhunmuang) was originally built in 1729. It was burnt down in 1774, but the bronze Buddha statue that can still be found inside the temple survived. The temple was rebuilt in 1804.

Luang Prabang was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia