Wat Sirinthon Wararaam Phu Phrao (วัดสิรินธรวรารามภูพร้าว)

Thai. Name of a Buddhist temple in Ubon Ratchathani which is nicknamed Wat Reuang Saeng, i.e. the ‘Phosphorescent Temple’ or the ‘Glowing Temple’. It is named after the amphur Sirinthon and the mountain, i.e. Mt. Phrao along the Mae Khong River, it is located at. The temple's ubosot is decorated with the mural of a kalapaphreuk wishing tree that covers the entire back wall of the building and which is painted with phosphorescent, a colourful substance that illuminates in the dark. It is a type of photoluminescence related to fluorescence, yet which unlike the latter does not immediately re-emit the radiation it absorbs, but re-emits it at a lower intensity for up to several hours after the original excitation, akin to the glow-in-the-dark dials on a wristwatch. The floor of the surrounding temple grounds are decorated with floral designs and a kreua thao pattern, which is equally treated with photoluminescence in various colours. This makes the temple glow in the dark, resulting in a mesmerizing effect that contrasts with the temple's dark surroundings and which is an attempt to create a setting reminiscent of the mytical Himaphan Forest (fig.). Also transliterated Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Phrao. 回