Wat

Wat is a Buddhist temple or monastery in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. The term, used in Thai, Lao, and Khmer, designates a temple complex that serves as a place of worship, a residence for monks, and a center for community activities. Wats vary in size from rural monasteries to major urban complexes.

A typical wat contains several core elements. The ubosot or ordination hall is often the most sacred space, used for ceremonial rites. The viharn, or assembly hall, hosts sermons and public rituals. The stupa or chedi encloses relics. Monastic quarters, living areas for monks, may surround the compound, along with libraries, shrines, bell towers, and cloisters. The architecture, sculpture, and murals reflect local Buddhist traditions and influences from neighboring cultures.

Functions and activities: Wats organize daily prayers, meditation sessions, and religious instruction for laypeople and novices. They oversee ordination ceremonies and funerals, bless weddings, and host festivals, markets, and charitable programs. Many wats also run school programs, preserve traditional arts, and provide social services to local communities.

Regional notes: In Thailand, wats are central to religious life and national culture; in Cambodia and Laos, the wat serves similar roles, often with Khmer or Laotian architectural styles. Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a renowned historic example of a Khmer temple complex, illustrating the broad historical role of wats. Today, most wats welcome visitors, who should dress modestly and respect temple rules and rituals.