Local legend holds that Wat That Luang (full name Wat That Luang Rasamahavihane) was originally established in the third century by Ashokan missionaries from India, but there is no evidence to confirm this. The current sim - an example of the traditional Luang Prabang Style I - dates from the reign of King Manthatourath (1819-1837). It features a peripheral nave with three naves and nine bays, and displays various religious artefacts. Before 1975 Wat That Luang was the centre for the cremation of the highest dignitaries of the royal family; the central stupa, erected in 1910, contains the ashes of King Sisavangvong (1904-1959).