:: Phimai part 2

From stone inscriptions and the style of architecture, the Phimai Sanctuary was most likely built at the end of the 11 th century during the reign of King Suriyaworaman I. The architectural style is Baphuon that prospered at the time. Some characteristics are similar to the Angkor Wat style, which became popular at a later period. The site had some additions in the early 18 th Buddhist century in the reign of King Chaiworaman VII when Phimai had close relations with the Khmer Empire. The sanctuary was always a religious site of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism because King Suriyaworaman I and King Chaiworaman VII were followers of the sect.

Important Structures in Phimai Sanctuary:

Naga Bridge is the first edifice you pass when visiting the site. The bridge and lion figures stand in front of Gopura (porch) south of the main pagoda. The intention may have been to build a link between earth and heaven according to the belief in the universe of both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Gopura was adapted as the wall around the sanctuary and the four entrance porches. There is a large corridor connecting the outer and inner area of the main sanctuary. Above each porch is a lintel of various designs.

Main Prang is on an open area in a curved walkway. It is the centre of the site. It is made entirely of white sandstone but is different from the porches and the walls in that they that are made primarily of red sandstone. This is because white sandstone is more durable than red sandstone. The pagoda is 28 metres high, has a square base and a portico and stairways and doors in all 4 directions.

The pagoda consists of the base, outer walls, columns, and porches. All have beautiful designs. Of vital importance are the lintels that mostly recount the tale of Ramayana from Hinduism and tales of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. Usually the lintel of the inner room of the pagoda, considered the most important room of the pagoda, would be more important than other lintels on the pagoda. The lintels above the 4 doorways of the main pagoda are all about Buddhism that reflects the influence that Buddhism eventually took over Hinduism. The carvings are of the Baphoun style (1007-1107) and the Angkor Wat style (1107-1157). Therefore, it is believed that the main pagoda was built at the end of the 12 th century.

There are other pagodas, which are Prang Brahmadat in front of the main pagoda, Prang Hin Daeng and Ho Phram (Brahma Hall) to the right.

The park is open daily from 7.30 a.m.-6 p.m. The admission fee is 40 baht. There are youth guides who show you around the area for free.

Historical Sites Outside Phimai Sanctuary:

Phimai City Gate and City Walls were built in the reign of King Chaiworaman VII. Of the 4 gates, the South gate is the most important because the road from the ancient Khmer capital to Phimai runs through it. If you look straight through the gate, you will see the sanctuary.

Men Brahmadat is southeast of the walls and is made entirely of bricks. Its present form is a huge and round earth hill that is about 30 metres high. The site is believed to have been the place where a king was cremated. However, the style of construction suggests it was built in the late Ayutthaya period.

Other sites to the south are Tha Nang Sa Phom, Kuti Rusi and Arokhayasan.

Sai Ngam is on the bank of the Mun River, near Phimai Dam. Cross Tha Songkran Bridge into the town and take a branch road to the dam for 2 kilometres. The place is so named because of the abundance of banyan trees here, all originating from a single tree, which is about 350 years old now. The tree gave birth to many smaller ones covering the entire area. Nearby are souvenir shops and several restaurants. The most popular dish for tourists is Phimai noodles.

:: Bua Yai

Prang Ku is in Wat Ban Ku School, Tambon Don Tanin. Take Highway No. 2 for about 74 kilometres, then turn left at the highway police kiosk to Ban Non Ta Then for around 6 kilometres and turn right to Wat Ban Ku School. At the site is a small Khmer pagoda with a square base, built of layers of laterite from bottom to top. However, much of it is in ruins, only part of the low base remains. Inside the pagoda are 4-5 fired clay Buddha images.

:: King Amphoe Sida

Prang Sida is in Phra Prang Sida, Tambon Sida. From the city, take Highway No. 2 for about 84 kilometres to Sida intersection and turn right onto Highway No. 202 (to Amphoe Prathai) for about 1.5 kilometres, then take a left to the temple for about 2 kilometres. Prang Sida is similar to Prang Ku at Tambon Don Tanin, but this pagoda is closed on all 4 sides. It was a religious site of the Brahman religion with an ancient Khmer style of architecture. It is made entirely of laterite. Sculpted plaster designs face the east and an outer wall surrounds the site. It dates from around the 12 th -13 th centuries.

:: Prathai

Prasat Nang Ram is in Ban Nang Ram. Take Highway No. 2 for about 62 kilometres to Ban Wat intersection, then turn right to Highway No. 207 for about 22 kilometres to Ban Ya Kha (or about 11 kilometres before reaching Prathai town), and then turn left for 4 kilometres to the sanctuary. The site was called Arokhayasan (a hospital) by the ancient Khmers. It was built in the 13 th century in the reign of King Chaiworaman VII and comprises 2 groups of buildings situated close together. The more complete pagodas face the east and are surrounded by a laterite wall. To the northeast outside the wall is a pool and another group of historical buildings where many beautiful lintels are found.