The Wat Si Muang Buddhist Temple is located in the eastern part of Vientiane, the capital of Laos. It was built in 1563, during the reign of King Settatirat. The temple was erected on the ruins of the ancient Khmer sanctuary, the remains of which can still be seen behind the main building of the temple. An old legend is connected with the history of the temple, according to which a volunteer should have rushed into a deep hole dug for laying the central pillar of the building, who would have sacrificed himself to calm angry spirits. Such a volunteer was a young pregnant woman named Si Muang (Lady Si Muang) - local residents believe that her spirit still lives in the sanctuary, protecting temple visitors from troubles and giving them good luck. The very same column, laid at the site of the death of Lady Si Mueang, began to be called the city pillar, symbolizing the center of Vientiane. In 1828, Wat Si Muang was destroyed by the Siamese army, restored in 1915 by the French colonial authorities, and was restored in 1956. The main building of the temple is divided into two parts. In the first hall, ritual ceremonies are held, here you can get a blessing from Buddhist monks. In the second room are the main altar and many statues of Buddha. The interior of the temple is decorated with carved columns, bright ceiling friezes and wall paintings, the main colors of the interior are red and gold. Statues of Buddha and ancient Indian deities are installed in the courtyard of the temple, candles, incense, fruits and flowers are offered here for offering to the gods. Locals visit this temple in search of good luck. It is believed that the request voiced in the temple must come true. As a sign of gratitude, believers make offerings to the Buddha in the form of flowers, bananas and coconuts.