That Pathum

LAOS, Luang Prabang

That Pathum means Lotus Stupa and it is also known as That Makmo (Watermelon Stupa) due to its shape. The stupa is located within the temple compound of Wat Visunarat. The stupa was built during the rule of King Visunarat (reigned 1501–1520), in memory of the ancestors of the Lan Xang Kingdom (1353–1707). In 1887 the stupa was destroyed during foreign invasions. Its reconstruction was completed in 1932.
The stupa is built in stone with a three-layer square base. The first layer consists of stone steps and a circumambulation path. The second layer is a square cuboid surmounted by a truncated pyramid. The third layer has a leaf-shaped decoration at each corner in the style of the Casket Seal Dharani Sutra Pagoda. There are eight posts placed at the four corners of the first and third layers, with capitals in the form of lotus buds. The inverted-bowl shaped body is decorated with two rings of lotus petals at the bottom. The spire takes the form of a flame, symbolizing the brightness of Dharma wisdom. The shape of this stupa is unique to Laos.