The Phimai Stone Sanctuary
is located in Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) Province. This Khmer
style sanctuary is considered the largest Buddhist monument in Thailand. In the
center of the Phimai Sanctuary stands a large Prang which is made of white lime
stone and sandstone. The prang itself is built on a rectangular base which has re-entrant
angles at the corners. The building has been extended to the south. Unlike other
Khmer monuments in north eastern Thailand which mostly face the east, the main
prang of the Phimai Sanctuary faces the south, presumably directed to the main
route which runs from the Khmer Kingdom.
The carvings on the
pediments of the prasat illustrate religious myths and episodes of Indian epics
such as a battle scene from the Ramayana epic, the Shiva dancing and Shiva and
his wife, Uma riding on a bull. The sanctuary is accurately constructed based
on the Khmer architectural style. The main chedi is surrounded by a gallery
next to which is the inner courtyard where the other two prang and one
additional structure stand. One of the minor prang facing the east is Prang
Bhromathat. The rectangular main prang built of laterite has re-entrant angles
at the corners; the structure is believed to have been initiated in the reign
of King Jayavarman VII (1220 -1222 A.D.). Inside the building, a stone
sculpture of a man in sitting posture. It is believed to be the statue of the
King himself.
Another structure discovered
within the inner courtyard is a red sandstone prang which is normally known as
Prang Hin Daeng. The prang, facing the west, stands on the right of the main
sanctuary. It is built on a square base with re-entrant angles. The monument is
also believed to have been built at the command of King Jayavarman VII. Behind
the Prang Hin Daeng is a Brah man shrine. It most likely served as a place for
conducting religious rites since a few small stone lingas were found inside.
Surrounding the gallery are
two other walls. On the inner grounds between the gallery and the walls are 4
ponds placed in four directions; they are known as Barai. On the vast lawn,
lintels depicting episodes of Hindu myths are also exhibited. The stories
depicted include one telling of the deity, being helped by the ogre, in
performing the Churning of the Ocean Ceremony in order to make a magic potion;
the pictures of Shiva and his wife, Uma riding on their cow, Nandi; and Vishnu
standing on his garuda. These lintels can date back to the middle of the 12th
century A.D.
Outside the walls
surrounding the gallery of the prang is an ancient remains where 4-5 bronze
coins were discovered, so that this building is understood to be the treasury.
However, the place could also have been a waiting chamber functioning as the
resting place for the King or travellers. The chamber is popularly known as
Dharmasala.
Reference : TAT
Contact by
Email : lratch@hotmail.com
Phone : + 66 (0)89 98 13 600
Address : 46/1 Moo 1 Ban
Don Nong Na
Tapek Chalerm Prakiat
District
Buri Ram Province
