“A monk’s… bodily waste, you say?”. Right here, in the heart of Vientiane, stands Phonsamék Xaignaram. This temple might seem unassuming at first glance. But this Phonsamék Xaignaram holds a tale directly connected to a most unusual claim of holiness. Let me explain. You see, the founder of the last dynasty of Champasak was a monk. His name was Phra Khu Phonsamek. This monk became famous. His followers called him “Phra Khu Khi Hom”. This translates to “The Monk Whose Shit Smells Good”. Let that sink in for a moment. Yes, you heard right. It referred to *any* remnant of his body. Hair, nails, teeth… you name it. All considered highly auspicious, if you can believe it. Phonsamek was a revered abbot from Wat Phonsamek, right here in Vientiane. In 1713, he placed a young boy on the throne in Champasak. This boy became King Soysisamout, the first ruler of the new dynasty. He ruled over Champasak. This kingdom covered parts of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Amazingly, it even included parts of modern-day Thailand! So, next time you hear someone dismiss a place as “just another temple”, remember Phonsamék Xaignaram. It’s a silent testament to the enduring power of belief. Even when that belief seems, well… a little strange.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to