MUONGLAO.COM | Wat Simuong

Wat Simuong
Simuong pagoda is one of the most important historical and cultural site in Vientiane for many generations. Particularly the first pregnancy women believe that if they come to request Buddha to help, they can easily deliver their babies. Besides its magic performance, this pagoda is one of the most interesting sites for local and foreign visitors.

It is located at the junction of roads Sethathirat and Samsenethai, in Bane Simuong village, Sisattanak district, Vientiane municipality.

Old trials are the pile of the rocks and old artifacts particularly Sivalinghine rock is believed as the city cornerstone that no one knows when it was made. It is the Brahman art designed as in Watphu Champasak. It looks like a lotus opening. It is installed in the Buddha worshipping place in the inner side of the temple and believed that it was the graveyard of Mother Si and a white horse as recited in local legend.

Historians said it was built during the Khmer civilization in Vientiane and Sayfong town in the 12th and 13tg century. It was about 700 to 800 years ago and the pagoda was rebuilt in the 16th century.
Bounhen Bouasisengpraseuth archeologist wrote that Wat Simuong is old one of the oldest pagoda in Vientiane. Before ending Thatluang festival, Pasad Pheaung offerings was made in the full moon of 13th day of the 12 month and march to Thatluang in the 15th day then to Wat Ongtue and Inpeng.

At present Wat Simuoang is newly improved. The new gate and the yard were made by concrete. Buddha images can be seen every where. Everyday lay men and women give their offerings. Many stalls of flowers, candle, coconuts and bananas for selling can be seen surround the pagoda.

Old legen said: "once upon a time, when Vientiane was firstly built, the cornerstone was installed, people dug the hole, which was able to bury one person and a horse".

Old legen said: "once upon a time, when Vientiane was firstly built, the cornerstone was installed, people dug the hole, which was able to bury one person and a horse".

After a hole was dug, announcement was noticed. There was a three month pregnancy woman who lived in Bane Xai and her name was Si. At that day her husband was not at home. She dressed beautifully and went to that place. She looked at the hole for two times, and the third time she jumped down and people said it was the best time, so they took a white horse to the hole with her and buried them. Since that day people called her "Yamae Simuong".