Photo: The main sanctuary of Wat Phou

The main sanctuary of Wat Phou was originally dedicated to Siva, but has been a Buddhist shrine since the 13th century. Holy water from the sacred spring used to be channeled into here to wash the sacred linga. The wall carvings are well intact and boast dancing apsaras, Vishnu, Indra on a three-headed elephant, and Siva tearing a woman in half. A collection of Buddhas reside in the interior chamber.