|'''Phra Lak Phra Lam''', pronounced [ ] (in Lao script: ພຮະລັກພຮະຮາມ), is the
Lao version of
India's ''
Ramayana''. The title comes from the Lao names for
Lakshmana and
Rama. ''Phra Lak Phra Lam'' also exists in
Northeast Thailand where there is a large population of ethnic Lao. There are several versions of this story, each slighty different but also similar to the ''
Ramakien'' in Thailand.
Originally written on palm leaf manuscripts, the story of ''Phra Lak Phra Lam'' has also been adapted to
Lao ballet where it is known by the same title. The story is considered by Laotians to be a
Jataka tale and regarded as very sacred. It is also believed that Prince Rama is actually an
incarnation of the
Buddha contrary to other versions which traditionally regard Rama as an incarnation of
Vishnu.
Characters
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Rama is known as Phra Lam
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Sita is known as Nang Sanda
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Ravana is known as Hapkhanasouane
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Lakshmana is known as Phra Lak
See also
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Dance and Theater of Laos
External links
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Phra Lak Phra Lam - A Previous Life of the Buddha
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Characters of the Phra Lak Phra Lam
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Ballet version of Phra Lak Phra Lam (in French)