I love when you discover some interesting part of your city that you never knew existed. This was the case as we were driving around the city and happened upon a Laotian Buddhist temple. We’ve lived here for 2 years- how did we not know this was here? We pulled into the parking lot and were immediately struck with the beautiful artistry on the buildings.
Surrounding the area is a long red brick fence with yellow tops. Each pillar along this fence is a memorial for someone who has passed away. The families pay for the space and then are given free license to decorate it as they wish. Some of the memorials were simply and lovingly adorned while others were quite elaborate and striking. It was so interesting to walk down each side of the fence and look at the memorials created to honor memories.
This is the only Laos specific temple in Tennessee. We marveled at the beautiful design of the temple building with its intricately painted and carved pieces. We especially loved the two dragons that sit atop of the stairs. Apparently there is also a Thai Buddhist temple on the other side of town and the two will often come together for festivals aimed at sharing their culture, music, and food with the community.
While visitors are not allowed into the temple itself, the gathering building welcomes people to come in and learn. It was the end of the day and a soft spoken woman met us at the door. We took off our shoes and followed her into the gathering building where we were met with a wall of colorful representations of the Buddha and signs of devotion.
The woman patiently walked us around the room pointing out the different features. Framed photos of some of the past monks who have lived and served her line the wall, including a picture of the man who first set about bringing this temple to creation.
Along the back wall is a row of golden Buddhas with a small bowl sitting in front of them. Each Buddha represents a day of the week. You give your offering to the Buddha for the day of the week you were born. This is suppose to bring you good fortune.
They were still working on cleaning up from the Laos New Year that they celebrated here at the end of May. The woman showed us the gong used in some of the ceremonies. There were also stands of colorful flowers and beautiful red and gold arbor standing against the wall. I made a point of writing down the dates for next years festivities so we can come and be part of such an incredible event.
After our tour of the gathering place, we went back outside to see some more of the exterior. We saw a small group of monks as they finished their chores for the day and went inside their humble house that sits in-between the temple and the gathering place. We walked around a lovely patio type area with golden dragons marking the entrance.
What is really interesting is that near this temple is all the Civil War historical sites of the area. Such a strange and almost startling contrast between the two places. But what a honor to come and visit this beautiful temple and to step out of Tennessee and step into a small look into the beliefs of the people of Laos. Of anything we have discovered here in our town of Murfreesboro, this is by far my favorite place.
For another look at some interesting religious places, you may want to consider these:
Ancient Polynesian- Pape’ete, French Polynesia
Judism, Muslim, & Christianity – Jerusalem, Israel
Catholicism – Aparencida, Brazil
Thanks for joining me in my discovery of the Wat Lao Buddharam. May you find joy and comfort in your quiet devotion.
The temple looks like it is in Laos. How great that there is such a beautiful and authentic temple in your city. Maggie
It was a really wonderful find. The temple is so beautiful and very lovingly cared for. I hope you have a great day 🙂 Meg
Yes, that could so easily be in Luang Prabang or another Lao town 🙂 I loved the temples there and this is equally beautiful!
I would love to go there and see the temples! But for now, I’ll enjoy this little piece of Laos here in Tennessee 🙂
Yes i was thinking about that I was as well. Laos. Tennessee Wow!
Who would have thought that there would be Laos in Tennessee! 🙂 I hope you have a great weekend!
Ok, you’ve blown my mind here. A Lao style temple in Tennessee, just brilliant. It does look authentic, even though I’ve never been to Laos. Quite similar to Cambodian temples in style and feel. It’s wonderful that you got some explanation of the iconology and to hear about its history. What a great find! Was Tess with you on this trip? What did she make of it?
It was a surprise to be sure! My co-worker told me that back in the 80’s or 90’s that there was a large group of Laotian people that immigrated here to Murfreesboro. It’s nice that they have this piece of home here. Tessa loved it- especially the Buddha for the day of the week you were born. The lady explained that to us and then Tessa turned around and explained to us again like she was the expert. And when the lady said you should never have the bottom of your feet facing the Buddha, without missing a beat Tessa says ‘Yeah, because they’re stinky”. The wisdom of childhood 🙂
Ha ha, brilliant.
I love Buddhist temples, they’re colorful, full of details and so calming. I can see why this is a favorite place of yours. And in Tennessee too; wow!
The detail in the building was really beautiful. I want to go back and walk down along the fence to really take time at the different memorials. It was so lovely. But definitely a surprise 🙂
What a neat and unexpected find on your drive around the city. I would never have guessed that this temple was located in Tennessee. It looks very colourful and beautiful.
It was really a wonderful surprise. We just loved the beautiful detail in the building and the warmth of the people.
Having visited Laos, this does indeed look the part. Unfortunately much of Laos’ own treasures were lost in firstly the Vietnam war and secondly the revolution which saw the royal family banished to …. unknown fate. How amazing to find such a good replica in your own back yard!
oh that is heartbreaking. Makes me all the more glad that the Laotian people who came to Tennessee brought with them a little piece of home with them.
So I read the paragraph and was like omg Meg lived on Laos…I thought she lived in Tennessee…and then I realised 😂 what a wonderful piece of Laos in the US, it looks very authentic 😊
haha, if only! 😀 I’ll have to enjoy this temple until I can make it to see the originals there is Laos. Have a great weekend!
What a nice surprise… a foreign trip while at home in your own city! Thanks for sharing, Meg!
Absolutely! A little Netherlands a weeks ago in Michigan and now a little Laos in Tennessee. It was a really great surprise 🙂 Have a great weekend!
What wonderful architecture! ❤
It was really beautiful- so detailed and colorful 🙂
We were in Laos just before the pandemic hit and I must say, this post transported me back there. The architecture is the same. What a great find!
How lucky to get to visit Laos! I had never known much about it but after seeing this beautiful temple I would love to go and see more of it 🙂
Isn’t that amazing Meg, looks like you could be in Laos
Such a tranquil spot
It was peaceful and beautiful and nothing like what you would expect to see here in Tennessee, especially so close to a major Civil War battlefield spot.