The Wat reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Wat

A Wat is a Cambodian, Lao or Thai Hindu or Buddhist temple.

Wats have a distinct architectural tradition. Sites of famous historical wats include:

• Angkor, Cambodia.
• Ayutthaya historical park, Thailand.
• Sukhothai historical park, Thailand.

A more modern example of a wat is Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

A typical Buddhist Wat consists of the following buildings

• Chedi - usually conical or bell-shaped buildings, often containing relics of Buddha
• Viharn - A meeting and prayer room
• Mondhop - the library
• Sala - A pavillion for spending the time
• Bot - The most holy prayer room. It is similar with a Viharn, the main difference are the eight cornerstones placed around the Bot, which protect against the evil. Also usually the Bot is more decorated than the Viharn.

Separated from the sacred buildings are the living quartes of the monks.

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