Sala Keoku, Sculpture garden and temple complex in Nong Khai, Thailand
Sala Keoku is a temple and sculpture garden complex in Nong Khai, Thailand, featuring over 100 concrete statues depicting Buddhist and Hindu deities spread across extensive grounds near the Mekong River. The site blends religious architecture with art installations, transforming the landscape into an open gallery.
The artist Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat built this religious site in 1978, incorporating design elements from multiple spiritual traditions of Southeast Asia. The project grew from the personal vision of a single creator who drew inspiration from the region's diverse cultures.
The statues depict scenes from Buddhist teachings, Hindu mythology, and local folklore, showing how Thai spiritual beliefs connect with religions from neighboring regions.
The grounds are easy to explore and typically take a few hours to walk through the gardens and view the statues. Comfortable shoes are recommended since you will walk on unpaved paths and between the artworks.
A 25-meter-tall wheel of life statue depicts human development from birth to death using concrete figures and symbolic elements. This artwork stands as one of the largest of its kind and captures visitor attention in a way that reveals layers of meaning upon closer observation.
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