Phra Bang

The Buddha image Phra Bang ( Pra Bang also, Prabang, Phrabang, Phabang, Pha Bang, "Royal Buddha image dissolves the suffering"; Lao: ພະ ບາງ ) is the main Buddhist image in Laos. It is located in the 14th century in the city of Luang Prabang, which is named after the statue.

The statue is 83 cm high and depicts a standing Buddha, whose palms facing forward. It is made with gold plated bronze and is in accordance with the tradition originally have been cast between the 1st and 9th century in Ceylon. But reveal the details of the figure, a much later work of the Khmer Empire. The Phra Bang came in 1353 from Angkor to Luang Phrabang and should contribute to the spread of Theravada Buddhism in the Kingdom. 1359 was the Khmer king the statue to his son- Fa Ngum, the first king of Lan Xang. The first capital of the kingdom is named after the portrait: Luang Phrabang.

Long the Phra Bang was regarded as a symbol of the legitimate rulers of the country, because only earned a commendable and just rule to be able to protect the portrait. 1778 invaded the Siamese under King Taksin (r. 1769-1782 ) in Laos and brought Phra Bang to Thonburi, of the then capital of Siam. After political unrest and other disasters, the portrait was under King Rama (reigned 1782-1809 ) back in 1782 managed to Luang Phrabang. 1828 took the Siamese in the course of a criminal action against Vientiane on the orders of King Rama III. the portrait again in possession, and not until King Rama IV ( Mongkut ) it made in 1867 to Luang Phrabang return it after you had experienced similar political unrest as 80 years earlier.

For Phra Bang a new temple is built, which will house the statue. Until then, it is located at the Royal Palace Museum. On the third day after the Laotian New Year's Day, the statue is taken in procession to Wat Mai, where it is washed by faithful Buddhist ritual.