Simeuang temple is one of most sacred temples in Laos

Simeuang is a beautiful temple, sacred place and is an attractive place to visit in Vientiane.
The temple is one of Vientiane’s most popular worship sites. It offers a fascinating insight into how traditional animist beliefs blend seamlessly with Theravada Buddhism.

The Lao style stupa beside the ordination hall.  (File photo Vientiane Times)

Simeuang temple is a very colourful and charming place. It is lavishly decorated with paintings, wood carvings and religious elements. The predominant colours are red and yellow gold.
It attracts daily crowds of local Buddhists who want to benefit from its ‘good luck’ powers.
People believe that if you pray for something here and simultaneously make a promise, your wish will be granted, providing you return and fulfill your promise.
Simeuang temple is one of most sacred temples in Laos, especially in Vientiane. People visit this temple daily to pray and to worship the Buddha and Yamae Simeuang.
Mrs Keo, a devotee in Vientiane, said she often comes to this temple, donates money, worships, and makes offerings.
“I received the good luck she originally prayed for so she returns to make offerings, as she promised Yemae Simeuang,” she said with a smile.
The temple is thought to have been built in 1563.After that it was subsequently rebuilt a number of times. It is located at the junction of Setthathirath and Samsenthay roads in Simeuang village, Sisattanak district.
A small temple was originally built on the ruins of a Hindu shrine. The remains of the small place consisted of a pile of bricks and statues. This stupa is believed to be the place where Ms Si took her life. The original site is behind what is now the ordination hall or sim.
People believe Simeuang temple was built on the remains of Yamae Simeuang, the young woman whose spirit protects the city of Vientiane.
People originally paid homage and worshipped at this place to honour Yamae Simeuang for her sacrifice. But now people also have many wishes and often hope for something in return for their worship.
The temple is named after Ms Si, who sacrificed herself in the pit that holds the central pillar of the structure.
According to legend, at the time she made her sacrifice the city was invaded by many angry spirits and enemies. People believed the gods were angry and that the city needed a guardian. The city governor asked for a volunteer to sacrifice their life and become the city’s guardian spirit.
A young woman named Si, pregnant with her first child, rode on a horse to volunteer her life to appease the wrath of the gods.
She threw herself into a hole in the ground where the building’s central pillar was to be placed. She was crushed when the massive pillar was lowered into position.
The central pillar also formed the centre of the town that was springing up around Simeuang temple, which is revered as the ‘mother temple’ of Vientiane to this day.
Simeuang temple is now considered the central pillar of Vientiane, or the foundation of the city of Vientiane. There is also a new city pillar, or Lakmeuang, built near the temple.
After her death. Ms Si was recognised as the spirit of the city. Later, she was recognised as the city protector and guardian. In the Lao language, she is called Yamae Simeuang which means‘the mother of the city’.
People have long believed that Simeuang temple brings good luck to those who come to pray and pay their respects to the monks there. You will see many people receiving blessings from the monks.
Popular belief holds that Simeuang has the power to fulfill desires. Worshippers pray three times, while simultaneously formulating a wish. If the wish is granted, the person must return to the temple to make an offering. The offerings are usually bananas, coconuts, flowers, incense and candles.
In the front section of the ordination hall, monks offer blessings. The back section houses the large main altar, with numerous statues and images of the Buddha and is where worshippers present their offerings.
During the annual That Luang Festival in mid-November, Yamae Simeuang is worshipped as the city’s guardian and the temple is one of the focal points of the celebrations.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update September 2, 2022)