Phra Dhat Bang Puan

It was originally believed that King Bhothisalaraj built this Phra Dhat and was largely restored in 1624 in the reign of King Suriyawongsathammikaraj. Historical documents, however, mentioned that it was built by King Chetthathiraj in 1566 when the capital city had been moved to Vientiane. The current Phra Dhat is a new restoration.

There are at least two inscriptions that mention Phra Dhat Bang Phun:

1) Inscription at Suwankhuha Cave 1 at Suwankhuha District, Nongkhai, inscribed in 1563, mentions the merit-making event at Phra Dhat Bang Phun of King Chetthathiraj.

2) Inscription at Wat Sri Meung, Meung District, Nongkhai, inscribed in 1566 mentions that King Chetthathiraj order Phraya Pholseuksai to build Wat Srisupaaram. Phraya Pholseuksai then gave gold and tiles to worship Phra Dhat Bang Phun.

The name of this Phra Dhat might have changed from “Bangkhon” based on the belief that this Phra Dhat contains stools of the Lord Buddha.

Bricks and cement

Registered as archaeological site in the Government Gazette, Volume 69 Issue 60 30 September 1952. On 20 June 1970, Phra Dhat Bang Puan fell apart with only the base remaining. It was discovered that it had been restored 3 times and 130 Buddha images and archaeological artifacts had been discovered. In 1977, it was restored by the Department of Fine Arts.

This is a Prasat-type Chedi with indention. It comprises of a series of plain bases with lotus bases. The main body is of a square plan and has 4 niches on all sides. The top part is a square bell element topped with the spire.

1. An important Prasat-type Chedi built in the reign of King Chetthathiraj

2. A part of the only Sattamahasathana in Lanchang art

1. This Chedi shows a clear influence of Lanna art because it is a part of Sattamahasathan. It was believed that King Chetthathiraj was inspired by Wat Maha Bodharam in Chiang Mai when he ruled Lanna Kingdom.

2. The current characteristics of Phra Dhat Bang Phun differ in many respects from the original including the base, the even indention and the two-tier square lotus bud chedi at the top.

Urankadhat legend mentions that Phra Dhat Bang Phun was built by King Chanthaburi of Vientiane together with his three consorts to enshrine 29 Phra Boromadhat Hua Nao, which were given to them by Buddhist saints. The legend also mentions that King Chetthathiraj built or restored Phra Dhat Bang Phun by building a Chedi to cover Phra Boromadhat Hua Nao.

1. Phra Rattana Chedi at Wat Phra Dhat Bang Phun, Nongkhai is a Prasat-type Chedi Wat Phra Dhat Bang Phun that shows a clear influence of Lanna art.

2. The principle Chedi at Wat Theppolpradittharam, Nongkhai is a Prasat-type Chedi in Lanchang art that has developed from Phra Dhat Bang Phun