The Haw Pha Bang (Ho Pha Bang), Royal or Palace Chapel, is located at the northeastern corner of the grounds of the Royal Palace Museum; Although it is a new structure, it is built in the traditional style and is tied directly to the history and traditions of this World Heritage City; The Haw Pha Bang has been designed as the permanent home/shrine for the Pha (or Pra) Bang: Luang Prabang's namesake and most sacred image; The image, brought to Luang Prabang in 1359, earlier had places of honor in various city wats (including Wisunalat and Mai); Most recently it has been on display in the Royal Palace Museum from which location it is carried to Wat Mai for ritual cleansing during the city's New Year's celebration; Text by Robert D. Fiala, Concordia University, Nebraska; Laos Luang Prabang Haw Pha Bang Royal Chapel.