Direction to Phouthad Temple about 15 minutes walk off the main road.
A side road therafter with an uphill walk on a tarred road.
Wat Phouthad will be the first sight.There is a side staircase which will be the shortcut instead of walking to the very end where you'll reach the Buddha statue.
A panoramic view of Oudomxay's town in the valley.
18 meter high standing Buddha statue.
The northern highlands formed the backdrop and the mountain top apex is directly aligned to the Buddha statue.
Three headed serpents guarding the stairways entrance.
Theravada Buddhism is the primary religion of Laos and is often closely tied to animist beliefs and belief in ancestral spirits, particularly in rural areas.
There were nearly 100 over poses of the Buddha statue.
Buddha with both hands folded face-up, resting in the lap is about the attitude of meditation.
It also represent the days of the week.
A sitting Buddha image is one of restful meditation, with legs crossed (right leg on top of the left) and both hands resting on the top, with the right hand over the left, both palms upwards.
This is a classic yoga posture and it's Thursday.
The hand gesture(Mudra) of a Buddha statue has its specific meaning.
There were many other common poses as well, with the most common pose you will find in Thai temples is with the legs crossed, the left hand in the lap, and the right hand pointing to the ground with the palm facing inward toward the Buddha.
This posture is known as Calling The Earth to Witness, and it relates to the moment of enlightenment for the Buddha.
Wednesday evening’s pose represents the retreat to the forest, for the duration of the rainy season. Friday represents “Reflection” or “Contemplation”, with a standing Buddha image. Both hands are crossed at the chest (right over left), palms facing inwards.
The posture depicts the Buddha standing at the Banyan Tree, wondering how he can explain the cause of suffering to his followers.
A reclining Buddha posture.
The Buddha lies on his right side with his left arm draped along the body and the right arm acting as a pillow, propping up the head.
One of the most dramatic and breathtaking reclining Buddha images can be found at Wat Po, Bangkok. This temple is also home to the famous Thai massage school. It denotes Tuesday.
There were two images that represent Wednesday, one for the morning and one for the night.
For Wednesday morning, the Buddha is standing with heels pressed together, holding an alms bowl at waist height, with both hands wrapped around it.
Right Hand Raised - Protection from evil, warding off fear. This is typically in a standing pose, but you can see a seated pose with right hand raised. This posture represents “Preventing Calamities”, which is also known as “Pacifying the Relatives.” It denotes Monday.
