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The landscape is dominated by two natural features, Phou Khao
Mountain and the Mekong River. Atop Phou Khao Mountain is
a natural stone formation 10 meters high. This formation has
been identified as the lingaparvata (linga mountain) cited in
Sanskrit inscriptions. This naturally occurring linga endowed
the site with a natural sanctity, for the linga (a symbolic phallus)
was the form in which the Hindu Khmers worshipped Shiva.
The presence of the lingaparvata was the impetus for building
Vat Phou and for all subsequent modification of the landscape
by the Khmers.
 |  | | The natural linga atop Phou Kao Mountain from a distance (left)
and close up (right). was the primary cultural reason for the
selection of the Champasak Plain for the construction of the Vat
Phou Temple Complex and the subsequent planning and design
of the landscape. |
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