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PHIMAI
SANCTURY The ancient city of Phimai was rectangular in shape and measured 565 by 1,030 metres. It is surrounded by a moat on all sides. The religious sanctuary is situated in the centre of modern community. The Mun River flows past on northern and eastern sides. A small stream is located on the southern side while the Chakarat River flows on the western side to from a tributary with the Mun. |
| The Phimai Sanctuary is situated in Nakhon Ratchasima Province about 60 kilometres from the provincial capital. It is the largest stone sanctuary in Thailand and the present buildings were constructed during the 11th -12th centuries A.D. Additions were made during the 13th century A.D. | |
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"Phimai" derives from the word "Vimaya" which appears in an inscription on the southern doorframe of the inner wall. It is the word used when referring to the principal deity in a religious sanctuary. |
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On each side of the city wall is an arched gate made of laterite. An ancient road leads from the gate on the southern side of the city to the stream where there is a cruciform-shaped laterite structure that is believed to be the landing pier for town of Phimai. Nearby is an important archaeological site called "kuti rishi" (the hermit's dwelling) or "Arokayasala" (dispensary) which was constructed by King Jayavaraman VII (1181-1219) to serve as temple and medical centre for his subjects. |
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Inside the city walls are 3 ponds which were dug to provide water. These are known as "Sra Kaew", "Sra Phlung", and "Sra Khwan". There is also a large pond to the east outside the city was know as "Sra Phleng" and another to the west known as "Sra Bohd". The Meru Bhramathat is a brick chedi probably dating from the late Ayutthaya period. It stands on a small mound to southeast of Phimai Sanctuary. |
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A double wall, the outermost being called "khamphaeng Kaew" and the inner wall being call "Rabieng Khot", surrounds the Phimai Sanctuary. A rectangular building, known as "Phlab Phla" (robing pavilion) lies beyond the outer wall. It is believed that this building was used by the nobility and officiants to prepare for religious ceremonies. The entrance to the sanctuary stands adjacent to this pavilion. To the front is naga (mythical snake) platform where the journey into the sacred sanctuary commence. According to ancient beliefs, the naga platform links the human to the heavenly realm. |
| The sacred sanctuary is guarded by a lion, that stands at the foot of the stairway to preventing evil forces from entering. The seven headed naga and its body from the rail of the platform. The artistic style, and the naga platform, shows that this bridge was constructed in the 12th century A.D. | |
| Crossing the naga platform there are four arched gateways known as "gopuras" set in the centre of each of the four boundary walls which lead into the heavenly realm where the celestial beings reside. The boundary wall and the gallery are linked by a 1-metre-high raised passage way. | |
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The gallery is similar in appearance to the boundary wall in that it has arched gateways in the centre of all four sides. The southern wall carries a stone inscription in ancient Khmer which dates to 1108-1112 A.D. The plaque tells of the construction of sacred images, the establishment of the city, the digging of ponds and the offering of sevants and grain. It also mentions the land offered and where the boundaries lie. The names of high ranking nobility, Virendradhipativarman and the Khmer King, Dharanindravarman (1107-1112 A.D.) are also mentioned. |
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The inner courtyard, which is the most important part of the sanctuary, house three towers. The main tower, which made of white sandstone, was constructed in the 11th-12th centuries A.D. It faces to the south, unlike other Khmer structures which generally face east. It is understood that it faces south as it is in the direction of Angkor in Kampuchea. The principal tower comprises two parts - the mandapa and the dhatu. The outer walls of the main tower are decorated with bas reliefs and lintels depicting episodes from the Ramayana. Mostly, they tell of the prolonged battle between Rama and Ravana. The adornment on the southern side, however, show the dancing Shiva. The interior of the tower has several including relief the Buddha subduing Mara, and Bodhisattvas from Mahayana Budhism. The dhatu is square room use to house an important image. A water conduit can be seen in the northeastern corner of this room. |
| The outer two towers are additional structures built in 13th century A.D. The towers to the left of the principal tower is known at Prang Bhramathat. It is made of laterite and was constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. Inside is a large sculpture of King Jayavarman VII in the seating posture. The tower to the right is made of red sandstone, and is connected by path to another building known as Ho Brahm or Brahmam shrine. | |
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The Phimai Sanctuary has survived to the present, but the elements and time have left their mark, causing deterioration. Major restoration were carried out between 1964-1969 A.D. as a joint project between Department of Fine Arts and the Government of France. Restoration of all the structures in the sanctuary continued and the Phimai Historical Park was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 12nd April ,1979 |
