Wat Aham: A Blend of Spirituality and History

Wat Aham, also known as the 'Monastery of the Opened Heart', offers a serene glimpse into the spiritual heart of Luang Prabang. Located near Wat Visoun, this temple stands on grounds with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. Originally, the site was a shrine dedicated to Pu No and Na No, the guardian spirits of Luang Prabang.In the 16th century, King Phothisarath, a devout Buddhist, destroyed the spirit shrines, aiming to diminish animist practices and constructed a Buddhist temple in its place. However, this act was followed by a series of disasters, leading locals to believe that the destruction of the shrines had angered the spirits. Consequently, the shrines were rebuilt during the reign of the subsequent King. The spirit houses were destroyed again in the 20th century, and it is believed that the spirits took residence in the two large banyan trees on the temple grounds. Even today, these spirits are still worshipped alongside Buddhism.The temple itself features a simple yet colorful design. The interior boasts red and gold painted pillars and beams, with walls adorned with murals depicting Buddhist doctrines. Wat Aham also houses wooden masks used in the traditional mask dances during the Lao Lunar New Year. Stylized stucco tigers guard the entry steps, while statues of Hanuman and Ravana, characters from the Lao Ramayana, stand at the porch corners.